Legislature moves toward lifting nuclear plant moratorium
Minnesota lawmakers in both the House and Senate are advancing bipartisan bills to fund a formal study of nuclear power, a move supporters openly describe as the first step toward ending the state’s 32‑year ban on new nuclear plants. The study would weigh the costs, timelines, safety issues and waste‑storage implications of adding new reactors as Minnesota phases out coal and natural gas, with backers hoping it could tee up a moratorium repeal as soon as next year. Rep. Spencer Igo (R–Wabana Township) argues that electrification and population growth will leave a major 'gap' in power supply without nuclear, while Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL–St. Louis Park) counters that nuclear has only gotten more expensive and slower to build over time. Sen. Nick Frentz (DFL–North Mankato), who authored the state’s 2040 carbon‑free law, says nuclear must be evaluated alongside cheaper wind, solar and possible geothermal, and stresses that any new plants would still be at least eight years away and require local community input. The Prairie Island Indian Community, which lives next to one of the nation’s closest nuclear waste storage sites, is backing the study specifically to scrutinize how much new waste would be created and how it would be stored long‑term, underscoring that the people already living with the risks want hard answers before any green light is given.
📌 Key Facts
- Bills in both the Minnesota House and Senate would fund a comprehensive study on nuclear energy as a precursor to lifting the state’s moratorium on new plants.
- Minnesota’s moratorium dates to 1994 and was reinforced after the 2011 Fukushima disaster; the state currently operates three reactors at Monticello and Prairie Island.
- Supporters say nuclear is needed as coal and gas retire, while opponents highlight rising construction costs, long build times and unresolved waste‑storage risks, particularly for communities like Prairie Island that already host waste on their doorstep.
📊 Relevant Data
From 2020 to 2024, immigration accounted for 94 percent of Minnesota's net population growth, contributing to increased energy demand as the state pushes for electrification.
New Americans Drive Minnesota's Population Growth and Labor Force — Minnesota Women's Press
U.S. electricity demand is projected to reach record levels in 2025 and 2026, driven by data centers, AI, and electrification, with nationwide growth forecasts rising from 2.6% to 4.7% over the next five years.
U.S. Power Demand Hits New Highs Driven by Data Centers, AI, and Grid Constraints — NZero
Nuclear energy results in approximately 0.04 deaths per terawatt-hour, compared to 24.6 for coal, 18.4 for oil, 2.8 for solar, and 0.02 for wind, making it one of the safest energy sources when including historical accidents.
Global deaths per energy source — Statista
91% of new renewable power projects commissioned in 2024 were more cost-effective than new fossil fuel alternatives, with wind and solar often half the cost of coal and gas and one-third the cost of nuclear.
91% of New Renewable Projects Now Cheaper Than Fossil Fuels Alternatives — IRENA
The Prairie Island Indian Community, located closer to an active nuclear waste storage site than any other community in the U.S., has expressed ongoing concerns about waste storage and supports studies analyzing new waste creation and long-term storage options.
Prairie Island Indian Community Granted Federal Hearing in Fight Against 40-Year Extension of Nuclear Waste Storage — PR Newswire
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time