Nuclear power on the move in state Legislature

New generation of technology has lawmakers willing to study prospects

Jan 31, 2023

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PIERRE — In the 1960s, South Dakota had a brief moment when it entered the nuclear power age.

Northern States Power Co. opened the Pathfinder Nuclear Generating Station between Sioux Falls and Brandon. And though the plant was converted to a fossil fuel electricity station after the nuclear reactor was shut down in 1967, Pathfinder served as a valuable test piece for the creation of future nuclear plants.

Since then, South Dakota has been a recipient of nuclear power, but not a contributor.

A Senate resolution would take the first step to change that. Sen. Brent Hoffman is sponsoring a resolution that would allow lawmakers to study nuclear power. The Sioux Falls Republican admits it’s a long climb from study to production.

But all journeys start somewhere. The measure passed the full Senate 34-0 on Monday.

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