The Point Beach nuclear facility in Two Rivers, WI (Photo: NextEra Energy)
Legislation that would end Wisconsin’s long-standing ban on building new nuclear power plants is headed to Governor Scott Walker’s desk, after receiving final approval in the state Senate on Tuesday night.
The bill would end a moratorium enacted in the mid-1980s that prohibits building new reactors unless there’s a federal site to store the spent fuel and it can be shown it will not negatively impact rate payers. It passed the state Assembly in January.
Backers of the bill have said it opens up a new option for the state to consider as it looks to consider cleaner energy technologies. Critics contend Wisconsin should pursue safer renewable energy alternatives, such as wind and solar.
The bill passed the Senate on a 23-9 vote, with several Democrats joining Republicans in supporting the bill.