North Cook News

Illinois 18th District State Representative candidate Charles Hutchinson is pressing Democrats for their stance on carbon emissions after Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoed a Republican-sponsored bill that aimed to allow the construction of new nuclear reactors in the state. Hutchinson highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in achieving carbon neutrality and challenged Democrats to prioritize the future of Illinois over political considerations.

“Illinois wants to know, what is the Democrats stand on carbon emission?!!” Hutchinson said on Facebook. “Governor Pritzker has vetoed a Republican sponsored bill, which passed both chambers with 3/5 majority in each chamber, allowing for new nuclear reactors to be built in Illinois. It is common sense that nuclear is the best option if the state wants to go carbon neutral or free.”

“Now, will Democrats in the legislature stand-up for what they voted for, or will they continue to play politics with the future of Illinois?”

Pritzker vetoed legislation aimed at lifting the state’s moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants, according to Energy News. The legislation, which would have allowed the development of advanced nuclear reactors such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), had passed with bipartisan support in May but faced opposition from anti-nuclear activists and clean energy groups, which argued that other renewable sources could meet the state’s energy needs more effectively.

The bill passed in the Senate on a vote of 36-14 and in the House on a vote of 84-22.

Energy bills for Ameren customers in southern Illinois doubled in early 2022, and blackouts increased after Pritzker signed legislation creating shortfalls in energy production. “Some grid operators blamed coal plant retirements, pointed to state policy changes like Illinois’ nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and promoted fossil fuels as a reliability solution,” Meghan Hassett, Midwest Campaign Manager for the Center for Policy Advocacy, posted in a blog for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Notably, the first nuclear power reactor was constructed in a squash court under the University of Chicago football stadium. Named “Chicago Pile-1,” this initial human-created nuclear reactor initiated a series of events that reshaped global politics, led to nuclear energy production, opened new realms of scientific inquiry and influenced key aspects of modern society, from weaponry to medicine, a University of Chicago news story said.

Hutchinson is deeply ingrained in the community and has devoted extensive effort to enhance its welfare through roles including Chamber of Commerce President, Chairman of the Historic Preservation Commission, and Wilmette Theatre Board member, his website says. His website notes that his candidacy is driven by a shared objective of strengthening community bonds and advocating for vital issues such as parental rights, education, neighborhood safety, and tax reduction.

The 18th District is held by incumbent Robyn Gabel (R-Evanston). It includes the North Cook County communities of Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Winnetka, and Glencoe, Ballotpedia says.