Linn County Moves Ahead with Nuclear Power Ordinance Updates

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is discussing changing the county’s zoning code to allow nuclear energy producers to set up shop. 

Supervisor Sami Scheetz says it is important for the county to have an avenue to use nuclear energy.

NextEra Energy is in the process of trying to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center in Palo to produce nuclear energy again. It was shut down after the 2020 derecho. Linn County Planning and Development Director Charlie Nichols says the proposed changes give the county flexibility.

Monday was the first of three public hearings on the proposed changes. All three supervisors voted for the ordinance that sets land use standards for nuclear energy generating facilities and waste storage sites.

story courtesy of Radio Iowa