Culver signs measure calling for study on where a nuclear power plant could be built in Iowa

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Culver signs nuclear plant study measure into law

DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Chet Culver signed into law Wednesday a measure that pushes public utilities to study where a nuclear power plant could be built in Iowa.

“Nuclear power is going to be a part of our energy portfolio,” said Culver, who focused on alternative energy efforts for the second consecutive day.

He said expanding the nuclear energy industry in Iowa could create jobs, both in the construction of a facility and in its operation. He signed the measure at the Des Moines offices of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

While public utilities would have to pay for the study, Culver said the cost to consumers would be small. It excludes rural utility cooperatives.

“Mid-American Energy has some of the lowest costs in the nation,” said Culver. “You’re talking about 40 cents a month. This is really about the consumer.”

Culver spent the day Tuesday with President Barack Obama in southeast Iowa touring a factory that makes giant blades for wind turbines. He said alternative energy is at the top of his priority list, and that includes nuclear power. The state currently has only one nuclear power plant, in Palo in eastern Iowa.

The governor argued that the study may not yield a giant generating facility, but could produce a series of smaller plants.

“You don’t necessarily need a large facility,” he said.

Also on Wednesday, Culver signed into law a $350 million spending package that pays for transportation programs in the state, including a provision that tightens the state’s seat belt laws.

Under that measure, back-seat passengers younger than 18 would be required to wear seat belts.

Culver argued that auto accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 13 and 17 and requiring them to wear seat belts can save lives.

“This is a commonsense bill,” said Culver. “These aren’t statistics, these are people.”

Culver signed the bill at a Des Moines children’s hospital.

Sen. Staci Appel, D-Ackworth, was the main supporter of the measure and said the best way to protect children is to improve auto safety.