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HF2002 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Prohibition on issuing certificate of need for new nuclear power plant abolished.

Related bill: SF2953

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to remove the existing prohibition that prevents the issuance of a certificate of need for the construction of new nuclear power plants in Minnesota. It aims to amend the relevant statute to potentially allow for new nuclear facilities to be developed in the state.

Main Provisions

  • Removal of Prohibition: The bill seeks to amend current Minnesota statutes to allow the state's commission to issue a certificate of need for new nuclear power plants. This effectively lifts the ban on constructing new nuclear-powered electric generating facilities.
  • Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage: The bill also involves considerations for existing facilities seeking to extend their licenses. It requires that any applications for additional storage of spent nuclear fuel must include analysis and address the impacts of continued operations during the extension period.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 216B.243, subdivision 3b, which currently restricts the issuance of certificates for new nuclear plants. By abolishing this prohibition, the law changes to potentially allow for the establishment of new nuclear power generation in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms

nuclear power plant, certificate of need, construction prohibition, spent nuclear fuel, license extension, energy policy, electric generating plant.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnergy Finance and Policy
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
March 16, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a requirement for impact assessment related to the additional storage of spent nuclear fuel."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Abolishes the prohibition on issuing certificates of need for new nuclear power plant construction."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill amends section 216B.243 to address prohibitions and conditions related to nuclear power plant construction and relicensing.",
      "modified": [
        "The process for certification of need when seeking license extensions for existing plants."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.243"
  }
]

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