The opponents are concerned that there is no method in place for disposal of nuclear waste. The moratorium has been in place since 1994 when the legislators were assured that a permanent national burial site for nuclear wastes was just around the corner, but the issue is still far from being resolved.
The Minnesota House vote on an amendment to lift the ban was 60-72.
It is disappointing that government continues to stand in the way of even considering an expansion of nuclear energy. By voting to keep the prohibition, the House failed to stand on the side of common sense, said Representative Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers.
Besides its plant in Monticello, Xcel Energy Inc. owns and operates Prairie Island nuclear plant in Red Wing, Minnesota.
The company is preparing to extend the federal licenses and increase the power produced by both plants, but it has no plans for any additional nuclear facilities.
