Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Friday signed legislation lifting the state’s 33-year ban on building new nuclear power plants.
The state Senate, in a 23-9 vote, approved Rep. Kevin Petersen’s (R-Waupaca) legislation in December. Wisconsin previously prohibited construction of new plants on the basis that the federal government has not established a capable national nuclear waste storage facility. In addition to lifting the ban, the bill realigns Wisconsin’s energy priorities, moving nuclear ahead of nonrenewable energy sources but behind renewables.
“Nuclear energy is an affordable, environmentally safe, and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel,” Walker said in a statement Friday. “The legislation we’re signing into law here today at the Wisconsin Energy Institute provides the Wisconsin Public Service Commission with increased flexibility for Wisconsin’s energy portfolio with the potential addition of nuclear facilities.”