This would be illegal in Wisconsin

COMMISSION VOTE AUTHORIZES EARLY SITE PERMIT FOR GRAND GULF SITE IN MISSISSIPPI

By a 5-0 vote, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission today authorized the NRC’s Office of New Reactors to issue an Early Site Permit (ESP) to System Energy Resources Inc. for the Grand Gulf ESP site near Port Gibson, Miss.

Successful completion of the ESP process resolves many site-related safety and environmental issues, and determines the site is suitable for possible future construction and operation of a nuclear power plant. The company filed its ESP application Oct. 21, 2003. The permit will be valid for up to 20 years. During that time, the company (or any other potential applicant interested in the site) must still seek NRC approval for a Combined License to build one or more nuclear plants on the site before any significant construction can occur.

There can be no new nuclear plants built in Wisconsin without a change in State law.

So very sad. Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Public Service Corporation put nuclear units on-line early in the 1970's and ran them efficiently and safely. Point Beach and Kewaunee even set the standard for nuclear plant operation for decades. By next year neither company will remain in the nuclear business.

Hat tip: NEI Nuclear Notes.