HF3229

HF3229 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Spent fuel located at Prairie Island required to be transferred to another site for storage, additional storage authorized to be constructed at the Monticello nuclear generating plant, public utility authorized to withhold money from the renewable development account to pay for the cost to transport spent fuel.

Related bill: SF3363

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to change how spent nuclear fuel is managed and stored in Minnesota. It requires the transfer of spent nuclear fuel from the Prairie Island site to another location and allows for new storage at the Monticello nuclear generating plant. Additionally, it adjusts the financial management related to the renewable development account funding certain energy projects.

Main Provisions

Transfer of Spent Fuel: The spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island must be moved to another site by January 1, 2028, once a new storage facility becomes available.
New Storage Facilities: The bill authorizes the construction of additional storage facilities at the Monticello nuclear generating plant for the spent fuel transferred from Prairie Island.
Modification of Renewable Development Account: Allows the public utility to withhold funds from the renewable development account to cover costs associated with transporting the spent nuclear fuel.
Repeal of Previous Statutes: This bill repeals sections related to renewable energy production incentives, which were previously funded under sections 116C.779 subdivision 2 and 216C.41.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Limitation and Authorization of Casks: The bill modifies the number of casks that can be used at the Prairie Island site, with conditions related to licensing and site readiness.
Financial Adjustments for Nuclear Plants: It enables withholding of funds from the renewable development account to help fund the relocation of spent nuclear fuel.
Incentive Regulation Changes: Ends specific renewable energy production incentives and redirects funds previously allocated for this purpose.

Relevant Terms

Spent nuclear fuel, Prairie Island, Monticello nuclear generating plant, renewable development account, dry cask storage, nuclear waste management, energy policy, renewable energy production incentives, public utility regulation.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
April 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Energy Finance and Policy
April 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Energy Finance and Policy
April 28, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
April 28, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Permission to build a new spent fuel storage facility at Monticello."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Removal of restrictions on cask storage based on revocation by legislature."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the additional cask limitations at Prairie Island under section 116C.771.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusted terms for adding new casks related to wind power and biomass mandate."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116C.771",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Stipulation to move spent fuel immediately upon availability of another site."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Previous storage conditions on Prairie Island were omitted."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill requires the relocation of spent fuel from Prairie Island under section 116C.777.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified the timeline for moving fuel by setting 2028 deadline."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116C.777",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New requirements for funds management specific to Prairie Island and Monticello."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "Details about prior fund allocations and specific grant-related clauses."
      ],
      "summary": "This section modifies the management of the renewable development account under section 116C.779.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifications on fund transfer amounts based on operational status of plants."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "116C.779",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]