Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to change Minnesota's current law regarding the construction of new nuclear power plants. It aims to repeal the existing prohibition on the issuance of certificates of need for new nuclear power plants within the state.

Main Provisions

• Repeal Prohibition: The bill proposes the removal of a legal barrier that prevents the Minnesota commission from issuing certificates of need for the construction of new nuclear-powered electric generating plants. This would potentially pave the way for the development of new nuclear facilities in Minnesota.

• Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage: While the bill focuses on new nuclear plant construction, it retains the requirement that any extension of licenses for existing facilities, needing additional storage for spent nuclear fuel, must address the impacts of continued operations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The existing law, as outlined in Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 216B.243 subdivision 3b, explicitly prohibits the commission from approving new nuclear power plants by not issuing certificates of need. This bill seeks to abolish that prohibition, thereby allowing for the possibility of new nuclear plants being built in the future.

Relevant Terms

nuclear power, certificate of need, nuclear power plant, new construction, spent nuclear fuel, energy legislation, Minnesota statutes