Minnesota Legislature Passes Nuclear Energy Study in Final Day of Session

The Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance, a coalition of over 60 diverse organizations committed to advancing nuclear power as a reliable solution to meet Minnesota’s energy needs and achieve carbon-free goals, called the legislation a meaningful step forward in the effort to ensure nuclear energy remains part of the conversation as Minnesota works toward its energy future. Alliance members represent utilities, labor unions, environmental advocates, businesses and more.

“Keeping the lights on is not optional. Minnesota needs firm, reliable power that is available around the clock, and nuclear energy delivers exactly that,” said Darrick Moe, president and CEO of the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, which helps lead the Alliance. “This study gives policymakers the information they need to understand how nuclear energy, a proven and carbon-free resource, can strengthen Minnesota’s grid for the long term.”

The provision was carried by Rep. Spencer Igo and Sen. Andrew Mathews, with key support from Senate Energy Chair Nick Frentz, whose backing helped build bipartisan momentum for the effort. The study provision was included in a larger end-of-session legislative package.

The study will examine the costs, benefits and feasibility of new nuclear development in Minnesota, including the potential impact on reliability, affordability and carbon reduction.

The Alliance also recognized the Prairie Island Indian Community for its engagement throughout the process and its support for the study, which helped ensure that community perspectives and tribal input are part of the broader conversation about nuclear energy in Minnesota.

“Nuclear power is a critical tool in the clean energy toolbox,” said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. “Our existing plants at Monticello and Prairie Island, where I spent much of my career, are the foundation for the state’s carbon-free goals. But if Minnesota is ever going to to meet growing demand for everything from data centers to electric vehicles, new nuclear generation has to be on the table.”

While the Alliance celebrated the study’s passage, members were clear that their ultimate objective has not changed. The Alliance continues to advocate for lifting Minnesota’s longstanding moratorium on new nuclear energy development, a policy it believes limits the state’s ability to pursue reliable, carbon-free generation.

“This study is progress, and we are grateful to the legislators and stakeholders who made it happen,” Moe said. “But we also believe Minnesota will need to take the next step and remove the barriers that prevent new nuclear development. We look forward to continuing that conversation.”