ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: recognizing that the Wisconsin State Legislature supports nuclear power and fusion energy as clean energy sources that are critical to safely meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands and declaring the legislature’s commitment to the continuation and expansion of nuclear power and nuclear technologies, the development of nuclear technologies and fusion energy, and employing the leadership and resources necessary to support the development of and investment in nuclear power, fusion energy, and related technologies in the state.
Whereas, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity is critical to the operation of the state of Wisconsin and the day-to-day functions of every Wisconsinite; and
Whereas, supporting a diverse energy portfolio is key to meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands as well as achieving reduced carbon emission goals; and
Whereas, nuclear energy, fusion energy, and developing related innovations are key to expanding Wisconsin’s clean energy production; creating high-paying, sustainable jobs; and preserving Wisconsin as a highly desirable location for economic development and investment; and
Whereas, nuclear and fusion technologies developed in Wisconsin have served to strengthen national security and demonstrated the ability to produce life-saving nuclear medicine capable of diagnoses and treatment of heart disease, cancer, and other serious illnesses; and
Whereas, new nuclear energy technologies such as nuclear fusion provide prospects for economic growth and worldwide technology leadership that the state may leverage and support, and such technologies also promote traditional areas of strength such as manufacturing, advanced data, and control; and
Whereas, nuclear power and fusion energy are critical parts of our country’s economic and national security goals of energy independence; and
Whereas, there are currently 94 nuclear reactors across the United States, operating in 28 states and accounting for 45.5 percent of the country’s carbon-free electricity generation; and
Whereas, Wisconsin repealed its nuclear moratorium in 2016 and currently operates two reactors at Point Beach Nuclear Plant; and
Whereas, 1.2 million homes are powered by nuclear energy in Wisconsin and 650 high-paying jobs are created by Wisconsin’s nuclear power plant; and
Whereas, nuclear energy has allowed Wisconsin to avoid 6.4 million metric tons of carbon emissions and accounts for 66.6 percent of the state’s carbon-free electricity production; and
Whereas, Wisconsin boasts world class academic institutions capable of providing the innovative nuclear and fusion workforce necessary to advance technology here in the state; and
Whereas, numerous studies and surveys demonstrate that the majority of Americans support nuclear energy and that support is continuing to grow for reasons such as: concerns over energy independence and the environment as well as promising technological advances in the nuclear industry; and
Whereas, today’s growing energy demands coupled with the revolutionary advancements in nuclear power and fusion energy technology have created an environment where Wisconsin must be poised to facilitate nuclear power and fusion energy development and expansion; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin State Legislature supports nuclear power and fusion energy as clean energy sources that are critical to safely meeting Wisconsin’s growing energy demands; and be it further
Resolved, That the State of Wisconsin declares its commitment to the continuation and expansion of nuclear power, fusion energy, and nuclear technologies and shall employ the leadership and resources necessary to support the development and investment of nuclear power, fusion energy, and related technologies within the state.
Representative Robin J. Vos
Speaker of the Assembly
Senator Mary Felzkowski
President of the Senate
Cyrus Anderson
Senate Chief Clerk
