Board hears proposal to study small modular nuclear reactors as local economic and energy option

During the meeting a board member presented information on small modular reactors (SMRs) and proposed forming a local committee to explore whether nuclear generation could be an economic and energy strategy for Vermilion County.

The presenter said the county is already purchasing a significant share of its power from out of state and argued local generation could keep those dollars in the county and support job creation. He compared SMR designs to naval reactor technology and cited long‑running naval reactor operations as evidence of operational safety, and suggested the county assemble board members, citizens and industry representatives to study feasibility.

Board members asked practical questions — size, transportability and refueling intervals were discussed; staff noted regulatory work and federal/state agencies (Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission) would be involved. No formal motion to pursue project development appeared in the available transcript; the presenter said he would serve on a study group if asked.

The exchange raised policy questions about local authority, regulatory constraints and the county's capacity to pursue large-scale generation projects. The board did not take a vote on development but discussed forming a study process to examine options and potential benefits.