An Iowa lawmaker says a bill that would make it easier for energy companies to build new nuclear power plants in the state is dead this session in the Legislature.
Sen. Matt McCoy, a Democrat from the Des Moines area, says increased safety concerns after the earthquake in Japan and the rising threat of a nuclear meltdown make it highly unlikely the bill will move forward.
McCoy originally supported the bill when it was approved by a Senate committee this month. Now, he says he's undecided.
The bill outlines how state regulators should proceed with rate-making if a utility moves forward with a nuclear plan.
Earlier Monday, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said the damage in Japan
should not deter expansion of the nuclear industry in Iowa or
elsewhere in the United States.
