Minnesota House Bill 485 authorizes certificates of need for small modular nuclear reactors

Original title: Small modular certificates of need authorized.

Last action · March 23, 2026: Author added RarickSponsors: Shane Mekeland and 7 others

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Introduced

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What This Bill Proposed

Minnesota House Bill 485 authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to issue certificates of need for constructing new nuclear-powered electric generating plants with a maximum generation capacity of 300 megawatts. This creates an exception to the general prohibition against constructing new nuclear-powered electric generating plants.

Why it matters

Utilities seeking to construct small modular nuclear reactors up to 300 megawatts can now obtain regulatory approval from the state commission, altering the state's previous blanket prohibition on new nuclear plant construction.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

electric utilities

Utilities are newly permitted to apply for and receive certificates of need for constructing nuclear-powered generating plants up to 300 megawatts.

Key Facts

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum generation capacity allowed for new nuclear plants under this bill?

The bill allows the commission to issue a for a new nuclear-powered generating plant with a maximum generation capacity of 300 megawatts.

Does this bill completely repeal the ban on new nuclear power plants in Minnesota?

No. It creates a specific exception for plants with a maximum generation capacity of 300 megawatts, but the general prohibition on other new nuclear plants remains in effect.

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · introduced in the House.

Procedural history

2 actions

Mar 23, 2026House
Author added Rarick
Feb 13, 2025HouseIntroduced
Introduction and first reading, referred to Energy Finance and Policy

Version history

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