Updated: 11/24/2009 3:48 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email

Walz, Paulsen Push for Change in Minn. Nuclear Law

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Two members of Minnesota's congressional delegation want state lawmakers to do away with a law preventing construction of new nuclear power plants.

Democratic Rep. Tim Walz and Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen planned to jointly call Tuesday for the repeal of the Minnesota nuclear moratorium.

A 1994 statute prevents the Public Utilities Commission from authorizing construction of new nuclear facilities. But opposition to nuclear energy has softened more recently as the country searches for clean power.

Minnesota aims to get a quarter of its energy from renewable sources by 2025 or sooner.

Neither congressman has a nuclear plant in his district. The two existing plants are near Monticello and Red Wing.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)