nuke040309
On the homepage
Schools
Out There
Petters
Burning
Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Minnesota Senate repeals nuclear power moratorium
Proponents said the state needs to consider building new nuclear plants. The House hasn't voted on the issue.
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on Facebook
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
State legislators have renewed the fight about whether more nuclear power plants should be allowed in Minnesota. The Senate voted 42-24 on Thursday to repeal the state moratorium on any new nuclear plants passed in 1994. The action came after 40 minutes of discussion on an amendment to an energy bill.
Those in favor of removing the moratorium said that Minnesota needs to be open to the possibility of new nuclear plants, especially since the alternative of coal-fired power produces carbon dioxide emissions that cause global warming. Sen. Steve Dille, R-Dassel, introduced the amendment and argued that nuclear power is also needed because it's cheap.
"This is one of the options we need to have on the table in order to meet our energy needs for the future in a cost-effective way, and also to take into consideration the climate change issues that we are facing," Dille said.
No utility is planning to build a nuclear plant in Minnesota, but Sen. Amy Koch, R-Buffalo, said that's because the 15-year-old ban has inhibited any plans.
"I don't think we can have the appropriate discussions we need to have until we remove the moratorium," she said. "It's an easy first step." Koch represents the area where Xcel Energy operates the Monticello nuclear plant, about 45 miles northwest of the Twin Cities.
Opponents, including Sen. Ellen Anderson, DFL-St. Paul, said it's wrong to suggest nuclear power is clean or cheap.
"Yes, it has no carbon emissions and that's a good thing," Anderson said. "But highly toxic radioactive waste is a byproduct of this nuclear power, and we don't know what to do with it."
Anderson said the nuclear industry promised in 1994 that a permanent national burial site for nuclear wastes was just around the corner, but the issue is still far from being resolved. Until it is, she said, it's irresponsible to build more nuclear plants and produce more waste. Instead, said Anderson, the state should focus on encouraging more home-grown renewable energy such as wind.
Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon, DFL-Duluth and chair of the energy, utilities, technology and communications committee, said it's premature to repeal the moratorium. "It's been a topic that has not been addressed very thoroughly for a long time in the Senate," she said. "There is new technology and there is more information that needs to be uncovered."
The House has not voted on the issue, but its energy committee rejected a bill last week that would have removed the ban.
Besides Monticello, Xcel owns and operates Prairie Island in Red Wing, the state's only other nuclear plant.
The utility is working to extend the federal licenses and increase the power produced by both plants, but it has no plans for any new nuclear facilities.
Tom Meersman • 612-673-7388
Recent State Politics stories
Bachmann wants investigation of ACORN work in Minnesota - April 2, 2009
Bachmann wants investigation of ACORN work in Minnesota - U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann is asking Gov. Tim Pawlenty to name a special investigator to probe ACORN activities in Minnesota. More
- Legislators take a field trip to the Metrodome
- Pawlenty's lawyer defends cuts to nutrition program
- Quam exits firm to help husband run for governor
- Effort builds to repeal nuclear power ban
- Library is pressed to take gang force report off Web
- Not all forgiven
- Lowry Bridge, Saints, Como Zoo fighting for your money
- Backed by House, 6 patients sue Pawlenty, state officials
- As commission presses, Vikes will 'move on'
- Sowing survivalism seeds on talk radio
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
  Open positions!A new career awaits. Look through thousands of listings to find your new job. Start now! No resume? No problem!Create a skills profile in minutes, let a recruiter match you to an open position. Click here to get started. |
Win tickets to see The Hidden Cameras with Gentlemen Reg at 7th Street Entry.Vita.mn presents The Hidden Cameras with Gentlemen Reg at 7th Street Entry on Dec. 2. |
Comment on this story | Read all 110 comments | Hide reader comments