A bill for an act
relating to energy; requiring an advanced nuclear study; requiring a report;
appropriating money.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
new text begin
(a) The commissioner of commerce must conduct a
study evaluating the potential costs, benefits, and impacts of advanced nuclear technology
reactor power generation in Minnesota.
new text end
new text begin
(b) At a minimum, the study must address the potential costs, benefits, and impacts of
advanced nuclear technology reactor power generation on:
new text end
new text begin
(1) Minnesota's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals under the Next Generation
Energy Act, Laws 2007, chapter 136;
new text end
new text begin
(2) system costs for ratepayers;
new text end
new text begin
(3) system reliability;
new text end
new text begin
(4) the environment;
new text end
new text begin
(5) local jobs; and
new text end
new text begin
(6) local economic development.
new text end
new text begin
(c) The study must also evaluate:
new text end
new text begin
(1) current Minnesota statutes and administrative rules that would require modifications
in order to enable the construction and operation of advanced nuclear reactors; and
new text end
new text begin
(2) the economic feasibility of replacing coal-fired boilers with advanced nuclear reactors,
while accounting for the avoided costs that result from the closure of coal-fired plants.
new text end
new text begin
The commissioner of commerce must submit the results of the study
under subdivision 1 to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees
having jurisdiction over energy finance and policy no later than January 31, 2024.
new text end
new text begin
$150,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of commerce to conduct the study and develop the report under section 1. This is a onetime
appropriation.
new text end