West Virginia Senate moves to end nuclear power ban
The West Virginia Senate voted 24–7 yesterday in favor of S.B. 4, which repeals sections of the state code banning the construction of nuclear power plants in West Virginia, according to an article in the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. The bill now heads to the House, which is considering a similar measure.
Takubo
From the sponsor: “I think it is important for West Virginia to be looking forward to the future, looking forward to diversifying, and simply say to the rest of the world we are open for discussion should this technology come to our Mountain State,” said Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo (R., Kanawha), the bill’s lead sponsor.
The ban: West Virginia’s ban on nuclear power plants has been in place since 1996, with limited exceptions, the article noted. State law requires potential applicants for new nuclear plants to provide details to the Public Service Commission on nuclear waste disposal, the economic effect on rate payers, and compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations.
The House bill: The West Virginia House is considering H.B. 2882, which would also repeal the nuclear plant ban. The bill has been recommended for passage by the House Energy and Manufacturing Committee and the House Government Organization Committee.
