Minnesota House Panel Considers Lifting Nuclear Ban

ST. PAUL  (AP) -- A proposal to clear the way for new nuclear power plants in Minnesota gets its first hearing in the Republican-controlled Legislature on Tuesday.

The bill from Rep. Joyce Peppin of Rogers would repeal a 1994 moratorium on construction of new nuclear power plants.

It's up before the House Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Versions of the repeal have passed both House and Senate at different times in past sessions. But the political equation could be different this year with Republicans in charge of both legislative chambers for the first time in 38 years.

Minnesota has two existing nuclear power plants near Monticello and Red Wing.

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