Lawmakers from both parties have been coming together to back the growth of nuclear energy in Michigan.
A bipartisan group this week introduced legislation in the state House to attract nuclear projects and skilled workers with state Representative Pauline Wendzel telling us she hears little opposition in Lansing.
Wendzel says nuclear has become a bipartisan issue. In southwest Michigan, she says it’s no surprise.
“That supports a lot of our family and friends and neighbors with not only jobs but also obviously with power,” Wendzel said. “So I think down here we are in Southwest Michigan a little more familiar with nuclear energy because we live by it and around it and maybe going to tours even when we were young. It’s something that we know is needed and safe and reliable.”
Wendzel has a bill in the new legislative package to provide a tax credit to the manufacturers and researchers behind small modular reactors.
“My bill is meant to bring those people here and incentivize people to come to Michigan to do that research and development, to bring great minds from all over, not even the country but the world, to work here in Michigan on this new technology.”
Two new small modular reactors are proposed for the site of the Palisades plant, envisioned by Palisades owner Entergy once the traditional reactors are restarted.
Wendzel says with all the jobs provided by nuclear power plants, those on both sides of the aisle can see why they’re a benefit to Michigan.
