Lawmakers consider repeal of nuclear moratorium (2:03 p.m. 8/10/09)

Paul Snyder
paul.snyder@dailyreporter.com

Lawmakers are again discussing repealing the state’s moratorium on nuclear power development.

State Rep. Jim Ott, R-Mequon, said if a bill does not come forward this fall to lift the state restrictions, he will write a bill to overcome the moratorium.

But the change could come in bill tied to recommendations made by the Governor’s Task Force on Global Warming. Although the task force did not recommend immediate construction of nuclear plants, group members suggested the state needs to reconsider its stance.

State Sen. Jeff Plale, D-South Milwaukee, said nothing in the bill is locked, but a discussion on nuclear power is taking place.

However, Ott said, even if the moratorium is lifted, construction could still be years away. The state’s permitting process, he said, could take up to 10 years.