Today I received this media release from Generation Atomic, a Minnesota group whose mission is to inspire and empower advocates for a clean future powered by atomic energy.A coalition of Minnesota's largest labor unions, environmental groups, and business organizations recently sent an open letter to state lawmakers and the Governor, urging them to end the state's 30-year-old ban on new nuclear power development. The Coalition for Minnesota Nuclear, organized by local nonprofit Generation Atomic, warns that the state risks missing a generational opportunity as other states across the country race to attract billions in nuclear energy investment.
"The science is clear: we cannot address climate change without nuclear power. Minnesota's moratorium blocks meaningful climate action, and if we're serious about protecting future generations, it must be repealed," said Dr. James Hansen, coalition member and climate scientist who famously warned Congress about global warming in 1988.
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The Coalition's formation comes as Minnesota grapples with the planned retirement of seven coal units by 2035, including the massive Sherco facility near Monticello. This transition presents both a challenge and an opportunity, according to Eric Meyer, Executive Director of Generation Atomic. "Nuclear could provide thousands of high-wage jobs at these existing industrial sites, which already have transmission infrastructure and cooling water access," Meyer said. "Recent Department of Energy analysis suggests the US will need 700-900 GW of new clean firm capacity by 2050. Minnesota’s share would be about 7 gigawatts – roughly six large reactors' worth of clean, reliable power."
The Coalition opposed an earlier unsuccessful Senate bill that would only lift the ban for reactors 300 megawatts or less, written with the rationale that small modular reactors might be cheaper. "When people focus on nuclear costs, they often miss two key points," Meyer noted. "First, it’s experience that dramatically reduces construction costs -- the second AP1000 unit at Georgia's Vogtle plant cost 30% less than the first. Second, when you look at total system costs - including transmission, storage, and backup generation -- a grid with both nuclear and renewables comes in 37% cheaper than trying to do it with renewables alone. This is why, when looking at replacing Sherco's capacity, it might make more sense to build one larger reactor than several smaller ones. We should leave that door open and let the Public Utilities Commission and Utilities figure out what makes the most sense.”
"Over the past 18 months, Generation Atomic has engaged thousands of Minnesotans through community events, including handing out over 5,000 bananas at the Minnesota State Fair to demonstrate natural radiation levels. "When people learn that eating a banana results in a 0.1 microsievert dose -- more radiation than living near a nuclear plant for a year -- it helps put the safety discussion in perspective," said Joe Spartz, who leads Generation Atomic's Minnesota Volunteer Team. "While used fuel requires careful management, the robust containers we use have proven completely safe for decades. The real waste crisis we face is the billions of tons of carbon dioxide warming our planet."
Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 and nuclear engineer brings a unique perspective from across the border. "As a proud Wisconsinite, I'm glad my home state got rid of its nuclear ban years ago," she said. "Nuclear plants create thousands of high-wage jobs while fighting climate change. Come on Minnesota - are you really going to let the Badgers beat you on smart energy policy?"
The timing is critical as neighboring states move quickly, in addition to Wisconsin, Illinois, and Kentucky, Montana, West Virginia, and Connecticut have passed laws allowing new nuclear in recent years, while shuttered plants in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Iowa are undergoing or planning restarts. Utah recently established a consortium to develop and deploy new reactors.
"While 80% of solar panels come from China, Minnesota's nuclear industry already provides 6,500 in-state jobs and $1.4 billion to our economy," Meyer added. "Federal funding and private capital aren't waiting. Every state that lifts its ban becomes a magnet for investment; every delay makes Minnesota a spectator in its own energy story."
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I believe energy is going to be one of the most significant issues we grapple with throughout this century. The time to get informed is now.
Related Story: Is Our Energy Grid At Risk?
For more information about the Coalition for Minnesota Nuclear, visit MnNuclear.Org
About the Coalition for Minnesota Nuclear.
The Coalition comprises over 20 organizations representing a diverse cross-section of Minnesota stakeholders committed to advancing the state's clean energy future through nuclear power development. Members include major utilities like Dairyland Power; twelve building trades unions including the Minnesota Building and Construction Trade Council and Operating Engineers Local 49; influential business groups such as the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Duluth Chamber of Commerce; leading environmental and advocacy organizations including Citizens' Climate Lobby - Minnesota, Generation Atomic, and Mothers for Nuclear; and notable experts including renowned climate scientists Dr. James E. Hansen and Dr. Kerry Emanuel, as well as Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 and nuclear engineer. Coalition supporters also include major trade associations representing rural electric cooperatives, commercial real estate developers, and shopping centers across Minnesota. Recently the Coalition joined an allied effort, the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance.
Full Disclosure: I became aware of this organization while researching an article last year regarding nuclear power and Minnesota's energy needs for Business North.