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Paulsen & Walz Ask Gov. Dayton to Repeal Minnesota's Nuclear Moratorium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2, 2011

Paulsen & Walz Ask Gov. Dayton to Repeal Minnesota’s Nuclear Moratorium

Washington, D.C. – With energy prices rising, Representatives Erik Paulsen (MN-03) and Tim Walz (MN-01) have sent a letter to Governor Mark Dayton asking him to sign legislation that would repeal the state’s moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants once it reaches his desk. In the letter, Reps. Paulsen and Walz stressed that construction of new plants would be a boon to Minnesota’s economy, creating an estimated 1,400-1,800 construction jobs and 400-700 permanent jobs.

“Today, the people of Minnesota have a unique opportunity to move the country forward and embrace the path to a cleaner, more secure energy future. They can do so by repealing the moratorium on building new nuclear power plants in the state.,” Reps. Paulsen and Walz said in the letter. “We believe a 21st century energy mix must include nuclear energy, providing well-paying jobs for local communities, tax revenue for the state and clean air for everyone. Please join us in supporting repeal of the moratorium on nuclear power plant construction in Minnesota.”

A copy of the letter is attached.

Last year, Reps. Paulsen and Walz teamed up to encourage the Minnesota legislature to lift the moratorium so that the state could incorporate nuclear power into broad energy plan. They have also been strong advocates for workable solutions on the storage of nuclear waste.

Paulsen serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Korea-U.S. Free Trade Working Group and co-chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus.

Walz served in the National Guard for 24 years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major. He is the highest ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress.

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