Negotiations On Minn. Nuclear Power Change Ramp Up

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The push to open Minnesota up to more nuclear power is nearing its final stages at the state Capitol.

A House-Senate conference committee planned to meet Friday to continue working on a unified proposal for scrapping a ban on new nuclear plant construction.

The bill would allow state regulators to issue permits for one or more nuclear facilities. State law has barred such activity since 1994.

Even if the two chambers reach a compromise, it's not clear if Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton will sign off. He has said he could accept a bill if certain conditions are met, but his public comments reflect skepticism. He wants more rate protections for customers and a clearer plan for storing nuclear waste.

The House and Senate both approved respective bills by large margins.

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