OLYMPIA — The Senate has passed a measure that would create a taskforce to study the possibility of using nuclear energy in the state in the future.
The measure passed on a 34-15 vote Wednesday and heads to the House for consideration. The bill creates a task force that would meet up to four times and would consider environmental benefits and costs, including the storage and disposal of any nuclear waste. The task force would have to present its findings and recommendations to the Legislature by Dec. 1.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Sen. Doug Ericksen, says that new technology exists and should be considered so that the state could incorporate new energy options. Opponents expressed concerns over safety, citing previous nuclear disasters around the world.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.