HF 1308

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 03/28/2011 09:46am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; allowing utility recovery of certain costs related to a new
nuclear power plant; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 216B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin TITLE.
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new text begin Section 2 may be referred to as the Nuclear Safety Preparedness Act of 2011.
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Sec. 2.

new text begin [216B.1638] RECOVERY OF CERTAIN NUCLEAR PLANT RESEARCH
COSTS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Filing. new text end

new text begin (a) Notwithstanding section 216B.243, subdivision 3b,
paragraph (a), a utility may petition the commission to recover from ratepayers expenses
incurred to research and analyze any of the following issues regarding future construction
of a nuclear-powered electric generating plant:
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new text begin (1) innovative plant designs and nuclear technologies;
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new text begin (2) improved safety and integrity of backup fuel systems to operate a plant in the
event that routine electrical service is interrupted;
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new text begin (3) construction and plant design methods to protect a plant against weather-related
or other natural phenomena, including earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods;
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new text begin (4) construction and plant design methods and internal security measures to protect a
plant against incidents of terrorism;
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new text begin (5) innovative technologies that reduce the amount or toxicity of radioactive waste
produced by a plant;
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new text begin (6) innovative technologies for storing nuclear waste on site that reduce the risk
of environmental exposure to radiation;
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new text begin (7) improved systems to monitor the release of radioactivity outside the plant;
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new text begin (8) improved emergency preparedness planning to evacuate plant workers and
residents of communities surrounding a plant in the event of an accident;
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new text begin (9) the impacts of financing, constructing, and operating a plant on ratepayers and
the utility; and
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new text begin (10) innovative financing mechanisms that minimize financial risks to ratepayers
and taxpayers.
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new text begin (b) Upon finding that the research project is consistent with the public interest and
does not impose excessive costs on ratepayers, the commission shall provide timely
recovery of the utility's expenses on approved projects.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Commission authority; orders. new text end

new text begin The commission may issue orders
necessary to implement and administer this section.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day following final
enactment.
new text end