Executive Report

Department of Nuclear Safety proposed by executive order

GOV. James R. Thompson created by executive order April 1 a Department of Nuclear Safety. The legislature may, within 60 days, disapprove the order; otherwise it will become effective October 1.

The new agency would assume the powers of energy use regulation now assigned to the Department of Public Health, the Environmental Protection Agency and the State Fire Marshal. In the order, Thompson said, "Centralization of these functions will result in better accountability

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to the governor and to the people of the state toward insuring safer operation of nuclear facilities and safer handling of radiological materials."

Illinois receives about one-third of its electric power from seven nuclear power plants. The share of nuclear generated power for northern Illinois is almost 50 percent.

Thompson also said the proposed department would be responsible for "making certain that both physicians and their patients will be afforded a comprehensive program of protection from unnecessary radiation exposure." He said it has been estimated that 87 Illinois residents die annually from cancer caused by unnecessary radiation exposure.

Several lawmakers were critical of Thompson's order during a hearing held on the matter by the House Committee on State Government Organization April 17. Rep. Doug Kane (D., Springfield) said the governor's proposal would not result in any substantial consolidation. Most lawmakers were supportive of the new department, although they indicated it may be given additional responsibilities.

Corn check-off referendum

In an April 6 referendum, Illinois farmers rejected a check-off program that would have raised more than $1 million annually to develop new markets and uses for corn. The program, which had passed the General Assembly last year but needed statewide approval by farmers, would have required that farmers donate 1/4 cent per bushel of corn sold to a statewide fund to be used for research and market promotion.

Shawneetown port

The Shawneetown Regional Port District was awarded a $213,000 loan by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration in April. The loan is for the purchase of equipment needed to improve the port so that it can be a coal shipping center. The loan, which is administered by the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, must be paid back within one year at 9 1/2 percent interest.

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