Members of the Legislature's Committee on Nuclear Power are in Nevada, to tour the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository for nuclear waste. State Representative Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay) chairs the legislative panel, which is charged with evaluating Wisconsin's long standing moratorium on expanding nuclear power. He says they're looking to make sure the proposed site is safe and can meet the needs of the nation. Members also want to know why some federal funding has been diverted away from the project in recent years.
About 20% of Wisconsin's power supply comes from nuclear plants. The state currently has two such plants operating within its borders. Montgomery says the state needs to evaluate the future of nuclear power, especially as it considers alternative technologies to meet requirements on renewable energy sources.
Committee members are set to tour the planned nuclear disposal site today.