Wisconsin's long-standing moratorium on building new nuclear power plants would be lifted, under legislation passed by the state Assembly Wednesday night.
The bill would end the restrictions on the construction of new nuclear power plants in the state, which have been in place since 1983. They require proposals to show an economic need for the plant and for there to be a location for nuclear waste to be disposed of.
Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) says we must explore the option, because of growing concerns over pollution.
The bill is not expected to be taken up in the Senate. However, Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) says its passage could open Wisconsin to being a possible location for future nuclear waste repositories. That concern is what lead to the 1983 restrictions on new constructions being put in place.
Several Democrats joined Republicans in approving the bill. State Representative Frank Boyle (D-Superior) says Wisconsin must be open to the possibility of nuclear power, because there is a need to explore clean energy alternatives.
The bill passed on a 57-38 vote.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:11)
