NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners approved a resolution on a split vote Tuesday urging the repeal of the moratorium on nuclear energy production.

Commissioners voted 3-2 on the resolution.

Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen received a letter from Sherburne County Board Chairman Gary Gray Oct. 15 requesting Brown County commissioners consider joining the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance in pursuing legislative action to repeal Minnesota’s nuclear power generation moratorium.

“Sherburne County has agreed to actively support the repeal of the State’s moratorium on, and siting of new nuclear power generation facilities; finding that such actions will help ensure safe, clean, reliable baseload (minimum level of demand) energy for all Minnesotans, especially as the State advances its 2040 goal for 100% carbon-free electricity generation,” wrote Gary. “We welcome earnest consideration of all viable locations, including Sherburne County, for the siting of such new nuclear power generation facilities.”

In February, a diverse coalition of Minnesota businesses, utilities and labor unions called on state lawmakers to lift the moratorium.

Commissioners Dave Borchert and Scott Windschitl cast dissenting votes on the measure that would lift a 30-year-old moratorium on nuclear energy production.

Borchert said his concern with the resolution was that by approving it, less funding would go to alternative forms of energy like solar and wind.

“I think there is a definite need for nuclear energy, but until we figure out what to do with spent fuel, I wouldn’t want it in my backyard. Nuclear energy is clean, but the waste is very dirty,” said Windschitl.

Commissioner Tony Berg said nuclear energy needs to be part of the conversation, it is carbon-free energy and can produce a lot of power in a small area, compared to other energy sources.

“We’re the only state with a nuclear moratorium. This doesn’t mean we’re going to build (nuclear) plants all over the place. It just means nuclear can be included in the possibilities,” said Berg.

Commissioner Brian Braun said a lot has happened from technology and safety standpoints since Minnesota’s nuclear moratorium was approved 30 years ago.

Berg said the ability to improve and update Minnesota’s two nuclear power plants operating at Monticello and Prairie Island is affected by the moratorium.

Commissioner Windschitl said he agrees there is a definite need for nuclear energy but in the last 30 years, there has been huge development in other energy sources.

“Wind and solar aren’t perfect either, but they don’t have the damaging possibilities of a nuclear problem,” he said.

Berg said he sees nuclear energy as the most effective source right now.

“I think France has proved that for years and years. A large part of their energy is nuclear. We have ships that run on nuclear power. You’re not hearing stories about people having problems with radiation. It works well,” said Berg. “You can put the same small units in places to provide effective electricity where it is needed. With wind and solar you have to put them where the wind and sun are. Using transmission lines, you lose energy the whole way. As an interim for the next 50-100 years, I think nuclear energy is effective and should be considered.”

Action came on a motion by Berg, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp.