Wisconsin governor signs bills to bolster nuclear power

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Tony Evers signed a pair of bipartisan bills designed to bolster nuclear power in Wisconsin.

Lawmakers who advocated for the measures said they hoped to make Wisconsin the “Silicon Valley” for nuclear power development in the country.

One bill orders a $2 million study to find the best location for a nuclear fusion power plant in the state. The other creates a new board to advance nuclear power and fusion technology in the state and host a summit in 2028.

Evers, a Democrat, said exploring nuclear power options are a way to combat climate change and lower carbon emissions.

“We must continue our efforts to help lower energy costs and improve energy independence by reducing our reliance out-of-state energy sources, and these bills are an important step in the right direction,” Evers said in a statement.