Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Monday, August 28, 2006
Nuclear power still heated topic in state
MADISON — You’ll get a chance this fall to vote in an advisory referendum on the death penalty and on a constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions.
But the gubernatorial race between Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and Republican challenger Mark Green could be viewed as a referendum on another hot topic — nuclear power.
Thanks, in part, to a conditional moratorium on nuclear power plants signed into law in 1983, the state hasn’t approved construction of a nuclear power plant in 30 years. The law forbids construction of a nuclear plant unless it’s deemed beneficial to utility ratepayers and the federal government has approved a repository for holding spent nuclear fuel rods.
But if Green’s elected, and a few other political stars line up, nuclear power could quickly get a boost.
“He thinks nuclear power needs to be part of our energy mix, and I guess by virtue of that, he’s in favor of lifting the moratorium,” said Luke Punzenberger, a spokesman for Green’s campaign.
Doyle, on the other hand, remains opposed to any expansion of nuclear power plants, said Dan Leistikow, a spokesman for the governor.
Doyle likely would veto bills that would lift the moratorium, but that hasn’t stopped Assembly Majority Leader Mike Huebsch, R-West Salem, from introducing bills that would do so during each of the last two legislative sessions.
Huebsch wants nuclear power, which now accounts for about 20 percent of the state’s energy production, to be an option to meet the state’s growing energy demands.
Huebsch is a top contender for Assembly Speaker in the next legislative session, so his support may bode well for the nuclear option. A Legislative Council study committee also has been assigned to the topic this fall, which means proposed legislation is likely, no matter who’s in control of the governor’s office or the Legislature.
Now, about those other stars ...
First, the fate of the moratorium may hinge on Huebsch being
re-elected and Republicans retaining control of the Assembly. Huebsch also will have to remain popular enough with fellow Assembly Republicans to be elected Speaker over other contenders.
Given Republican dominance of the Assembly, those scenarios seem quite plausible.
Then, assuming the nuclear issue breaks down along party lines, the question remains which party will control the Senate. Political observers suggest Democrats have a shot at adding three swing seats, which would put them in control if they don’t lose any other seats.
On top of that, Huebsch and other supporters may have to overcome controversial environmental and public health questions about disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Opponents contend a typical nuclear power plant produces 20 to 30 tons of high-level nuclear waste per year, and waste already is stacking up.
Nuclear proponents say coal, which produces most electricity in the state, presents its own set of health hazards, including 26,000 deaths a year caused by pollution, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.
So, will more nuclear power be part of the mix in helping Wisconsin meet its future energy demand, which is expected to increase about 50 percent in the next 15 years?
That may be as tough a question as whether or not Wisconsin should re-instate the death penalty or ban gay marriage. Nuclear power’s not on the ballot, but your vote may make a difference.
Tom Sheehan can be reached at tsheehan@madison.com or (608) 252-6198.
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