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Traverse County adopts resolution urging repeal of Minnesota's nuclear moratorium
Summary
The Traverse County Board unanimously adopted Resolution No. 25-20 on Nov. 4, 2025, joining the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance and urging state lawmakers and the governor to reconsider the state's 30-year moratorium on new nuclear reactors, while noting Native American concerns about siting and waste storage.
The Traverse County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4, 2025, unanimously adopted Resolution No. 25-20 urging repeal of Minnesota’s moratorium on new nuclear energy production. Commissioner Kayla Schmidt moved for approval and Commissioner Dwight Nelson seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
The resolution, adopted as written by the board, says the county will join the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance and urges the governor, state legislature and regulatory agencies to "accelerate soonest reconsideration of the Minnesota moratorium," citing projected increases in electrical demand and the role of nuclear power as carbon-free baseload generation. The resolution also acknowledges concerns from Minnesota’s Native American communities about siting and waste storage and specifically references Sherburne County as a potential siting consideration.
The board did not take any state-level action; the resolution is a formal expression of the county’s position and a request that state officials consider lifting the 30-year moratorium. The document on file is signed by Chair Jerrel Olson and County Coordinator Lisa Zahl and was adopted by the board on Nov. 4, 2025.
What the resolution says and does not do: it asks state policymakers to change state policy but does not itself alter state law or authorize any local siting decisions. The record shows the resolution was approved by vote during the regular meeting.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 011; topfinish SEG 014
