Update: Bill Lifting Nuclear Power Ban Dies in Committee

NEW/Related:Minnesota Senate Lifts Nuclear Moratorum

Removal of the state moratorium on the building of new nuclear power plants took center stage in evening hearings last week.  On Wednesday, March 25 the Legislative Energy Commission heard four hours of expert testimony on the future of nuclear power.  On the following night, the House Energy Policy and Finance Committee heard three hours of public testimony  on the passage of HF 1091, a bill that would overturn the moratorium.   

This bill was ultimately defeated on a vote of 9-12. Voting Yes (to remove the moratorium) were Representatives Atkins, B. Anderson, Beard, Gunther, Hackbarth, Hoppe, Magnus, Nornes, and Westrom. Voting No (to maintain the moratorium) were Representatives Hilty, Bly, Brynaert, Falk, Jackson, Johnson, Kalin, Knuth, Obermueller, Persell, Sailer, and Welti.   

This may not end the possibility of overturning the moratorium as House and Senate floor amendments will likely be offered.  Defeat of this measure in committee means passage of a floor amendment is much less likely.