Rice County commissioners urge repeal of Minnesota's moratorium on new nuclear energy production

The Rice County Board of Commissioners voted 3'2 on Nov. 25 to adopt a resolution urging the Minnesota governor, Legislature and regulators to reconsider the state's moratorium on new nuclear energy production, saying lifting the moratorium would permit discussion of advanced nuclear technologies in state energy planning.

Staff presented a draft resolution originating with Sherburne County and described edits made for Rice County's purposes to remove any site-specific commitments. Sarah (county staff) read the resolution and summarized its rationale, saying the intent is to "open up the conversation" about how nuclear could contribute to Minnesota's 2040 carbon-free electricity goal.

The resolution notes that new nuclear technologies may offer smaller footprints and enhanced safety features and points to a nationwide push to expand nuclear capacity. Kathy (county staff assisting on the item) summarized the local outreach, saying, "the main point is with the repeal of the moratorium, people will then talk about the topic." The board's debate focused on whether the commissioners had enough background information to decide; one commissioner said the resolution was presented "without really having any background information about why the resolution" was before the board and asked that staff provide more information before similar actions.

Commissioner Perfist moved to adopt the resolution; Commissioner Peters seconded. The board took voice and roll-call votes. The final roll call recorded three yes votes and two no votes: Commissioner Peters (yes), Commissioner Poisington (yes), Commissioner Burpurst (yes), Commissioner Malika (no) and Commissioner Onderdahl (no). The motion carried.

The resolution encourages state-level reconsideration only; it does not authorize any county-level siting or project commitments. Board members who opposed the measure said they were willing to participate in future discussion but preferred more technical background on storage and disposal options and on the local implications of any change. Supporters said adoption would simply allow utilities, regulators and the public to engage on options for meeting future energy needs.

The board took no additional action beyond adopting the resolution; staff was not directed to implement local projects tied to the measure. The meeting adjourned following the vote.