Assembly approves lifting nuclear moratorium
Source: Associated Press
Legislators moved closer toward lifting Wisconsin's ban on new nuclear power plants Tuesday, with the Assembly passing a bill that would do away with the moratorium despite Democrats' warnings about dangerous meltdowns and radioactive waste.
Approved on a voice vote in the Assembly, the measure now goes to the state Senate. A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald didn't immediately respond to an email inquiring about the bill's chances.
Right now, state regulators can't approve a new nuclear power plant unless a federal facility for storing waste from nuclear plants nationwide exists and such a plant doesn't burden ratepayers. No such national facility exists, so nuclear plants store their waste on-site.
Rep. Keven Petersen's bill would erase the storage facility and ratepayer clauses from state law, clearing the way for new plants. The Waupaca Republican told reporters before the vote that nuclear energy is evolving and some reactors can now process their own waste.
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Minority Democrats railed against the bill during a brief floor debate. Rep. Chris Taylor of Madison urged lawmakers to consider the damage that Japan suffered following meltdowns at the Fukushima nuclear plant in 2011. She said the Legislature should promote sun, water and wind power as alternatives to coal.
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Read more: http://www.startribune.com/assembly-to-vote-on-lifting-nuclear-moratorium/364957481/
Votes matter, people.
Republican Kevin Petersen lied - there are no reactors that "can now process their own waste."
The moratorium should remain in place.
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