HF 387

This bill creates an exception to Minnesota's current prohibition on issuing certificates of need for new nuclear power plants by specifically allowing nuclear fusion power plants to receive such certificates. While Minnesota law currently bans the construction of new nuclear-powered electric generating plants (presumably targeting traditional nuclear fission plants), this amendment would permit facilities powered by nuclear fusion technology to move forward with the state's approval process. The bill defines nuclear fusion as a process that produces energy by combining atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei, distinguishing it from conventional nuclear fission technology, and would take effect immediately upon enactment.