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| Date: | February 2, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Michael Brodkorb | | Contact Phone: | (651) 296-4184 | | Contact Email: | michael.brodkorb@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATE MAJORITY LEADER AMY KOCH ON NUCLEAR POWER PROHIBITION REPEAL |
(St. Paul) After 17 years of exclusion, nuclear energy will again be considered as an option after a vote taken by the Minnesota Senate today. The Senate passed Senate File 4, by a bipartisan vote of 50-14, which will enable a discussion on the future of nuclear energy in Minnesota. “This bill will offer certainty for businesses and job creators as they plan for growth and to keep existing jobs,” said the bill’s chief author, Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R- Buffalo).
"It is time to allow clean, affordable and reliable new nuclear power plants to be considered when we look at how Minnesota's future energy needs will be met," Senator Koch told members of the Minnesota Senate Wednesday. “To be clear: Deciding to repeal the prohibition is not a directive to construct a new nuclear power plant in Minnesota. Lifting the ban would, however, allow our electricity providers and our utilities commission to consider all options.”
Senator Koch added: “Lifting the nuclear moratorium isn’t the final answer to Minnesota’s energy future, but it would add to the growing number of options that the Public Utilities Commission can consider as part of a statewide, comprehensive energy policy. Entrepreneurs seeking to invest, expand, or start a business in Minnesota need to be assured of our state’s ability to deliver base load power.”
