The Point Beach nuclear facility in Two Rivers, WI (Photo: NextEra Energy)
Wisconsin lawmakers are reviving a push to repeal a long standing state moratorium on the construction of nuclear power plants.
Currently, state regulators are prohibited from approving new construction of nuclear power facilities unless federal storage site exists for nuclear waste and it’s shown the plant would not be a burden on ratepayers. Because a storage facility does not currently exist, the rule has effectively halted any potential plans for projects in the state.
A bill from state Rep. Kevin Peterson (R-Waupaca) would remove those criteria. The measure is scheduled for a hearing at the Capitol later today.
Both Republicans and Democrats have pushed for similar bills in the past with little success. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester) said this week that he thinks considering nuclear power is in line with federal efforts to reduce carbon emissions, while Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca (D-Kenosha) also said the issues is worth giving a public hearing. Still, the Kenosha Democrat added that any discussion of nuclear also has to look at the safe disposal of nuclear waste. “It has to be part of the equation,” Barca said.
There is currently only one operational nuclear power plant in the state, located in Two Rivers.