Special Edition: Saturday In The Senate

By Avery Causley-Ingram

SBOL006: Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Code Debate

The Illinois Senate recently debated SBOL006, a bill aimed at creating the Illinois Electric Vehicle Charging Code. This legislation imposes a tax on public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Private residences, gated apartment complexes, and homeowners’ associations are exempt. The tax revenue will be allocated to the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.

Majority Arguments:

Supporters of the bill emphasized the need for infrastructure funding and fairness in taxation. Majority speakers argued that while gasoline-powered vehicle owners contribute to road maintenance through fuel taxes, EV drivers currently use roads without paying equivalent fees.

Senator Irwin defended the tax as minimal, stating, “This only applies to public charging stations and is only three pennies per kilowatt-hour. This replaces the gas tax. Have you driven on our roads? Our tires are paying the price.”

Senator Presslor reassured concerns about discouraging EV adoption, noting, “There are still subsidies for electric vehicles. EV charging is still cheaper than gasoline. I can assure you most of you are paying way too much for gas right now.”

Senator Joiner framed the bill as a step toward sustainable infrastructure investment: “This is not a tax on private domiciles. This is a pro-infrastructure act that the state desperately needs.”

Senator Randle tied the bill to climate change preventative efforts, stating, “I highly support this bill… to combat the devastating effects of climate change that are destroying our planet.”

Senator Green highlighted that the bill would not significantly impact most EV owners: “Like 80% of other EV owners, my family primarily charges at home. This tax won’t disincentivize people from buying electric vehicles.”

Minority Opposition:

Opponents criticized the bill as another form of taxation and questioned its necessity. They argued that road damage is primarily caused by weather conditions rather than EVs.

Senator Williamson took a strong stance against EVs altogether, arguing, “The electric car already hurts the roads more than a regular car. So why don’t we not have electric cars? They’re heavier, they take more energy than gas cars, and we’re already improving fuel efficiency in gas vehicles.”

Senator Ramirez countered claims that EVs damage roads more than traditional vehicles, stating, “Electric vehicles are not an impairment to infrastructure. They’re an augment—a strong step toward a prosperous future.”

Senator Jackson called out what he saw as fiscal hypocrisy, saying, “Today, we’re going to increase our spending, and of course, to balance that out, we’re going to increase taxes. When will the hypocrisy end?”

Senator Nunez questioned the bill’s fairness, pointing out exemptions: “Fairness is equality for everybody. But certain people living in gated communities and private residences won’t be taxed, while others will.”

Despite opposition, SBOL006 passed with a vote of 25-17 and 4 abstentions. The split vote reflected bipartisan divisions, with some senators crossing party lines and a few abstaining.

SBOL0009: The Nuclear Energy Expansion Bill

Senator Owen Harrison

SBOL0009 allows for the construction of new nuclear power plants in Illinois, determining how certificates of public convenience and necessity shall be granted. The bill also provides funding for both traditional nuclear power plants and small modular nuclear reactors, taking effect immediately upon passage.

Majority Arguments:

Supporters of the bill framed nuclear power as a necessary step toward a cleaner and more independent energy future.

Senator Waldeck, the creator of this bill, emphasized its economic and environmental benefits:

“This bill will transition Illinois into being the _ of nuclear energy and clean energy going forward into the 21st century. This will allow Illinois to revolutionize their economy and become leaders for the 21st century, not only in America but across the globe. This will bring new jobs and clean energy so that we can no longer rely on fossil fuels that are ruining.”

Other senators reinforced this point:

Senator St. Clair called nuclear power “the cleanest source of energy that we have today. Although nonrenewable, it’s way less detrimental to the environment than fossil fuels might be. We need to move away from the extraction-based oil economy in Europe.”

Senator Presslor pointed out Illinois’ existing nuclear infrastructure: “Illinois has 11 nuclear power reactors at six different sites in the state. We are a state with so much nuclear energy that we don’t know what to do with it. And more nuclear power plants are at risk of closing due to financial struggles.”

The majority also highlighted that 142,000 jobs were created by the nuclear industry last year, suggesting this bill would further boost employment.

Minority Opposition:

Opponents of SBOL0009 expressed concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the practicality of expanding nuclear power.

The Minority Speaker began their argument with an highly unexpected reference:

“It’s not that easy being green, having to spend each day the colors of the leaves. When I think it could be nicer… being red, yellow, or gold, or something much more colorful like that.”

The Minority Speaker then added, “Do you know what’s red, yellow, and gold? A nuclear explosion. We do not want nuclear power in the state of Illinois. How many homelanders, Superman, DC-weirdo characters can you think of that we want running around our state? Do you want our children growing up like that? I most certainly don’t.”

Other key arguments from the opposition included:

Environmental concerns such as the potential devastation of nuclear waste and disasters. Senator Nunez questioned the feasibility of nuclear expansion: “My question—how long does it take to build a nuclear power plant? If they are failing, why build more?” There are also ethical concerns, a minority senator asked, “Why must we strip our people of their dignity?”

This bill passed with a vote of 31- 9 with 7 abstentions, reflecting both strong support and some hesitation on both sides.

SBOL0009 marks a significant shift in Illinois’ energy policy, aiming to cement the state as a leader in nuclear energy. While the majority championed it as an economic and environmental win, the opposition raised concerns about safety and feasibility—underscored by a memorable quote from Kermit the Frog.