A Minnesota House committee passed a bill Tuesday morning that would lift the state's nearly two decade-old ban on building nuclear power plants.
The 10-6 vote followed almost two hours of testimony and debate from nuclear and environmental groups. Several DFL lawmakers expressed concern about the potential costs for ratepayers and storage of nuclear waste.
The bill is now expected to move to the House Commerce Committee, where it will receive a hearing before reaching the floor.
Gov. Mark Dayton opposed lifting the ban during the campaign, but his office said Tuesday that the governor is not yet commenting on whether he will veto the bill.
Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch introduced a companion bill Monday that will reach committee in the coming weeks.
