Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Iowa: Nuclear Plant Bill Passes Important Hurdle

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A bill allowing MidAmerican Energy to seek permission from regulators to move forward with a nuclear power plant has passed a Senate committee.

The panel approved the measure 8 to 7 Tuesday night. It would allow MidAmerican to ask the Iowa Utilities Board for a rate increase from the company's customers to fund the cost of permitting, licensing, and building a plant. Costs for such a project have been estimated at $2 billion.

Organizations opposed to nuclear power implored lawmakers to kill the bill. The plan passed the House 68-30 last year but didn't get a Senate vote.

Sen. Matt McCoy says he's pursing nuclear power because many existing coal plants are old and may have to be shut down. He says nuclear is one option that should be considered.

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