State Republicans move to overturn new reactor ban in Minnesota

House and Senate Republicans in Minnesota are introducing bills to over-turn the lifelong ban - already in place for 17 years - against new reactors in Minnesota. Newly-elected Democratic governor, Mark Dayton, opposes lifting the ban because there is still no solution to the radioactive waste problem produced by nuclear power plants. The push by Republicans is out of synch, however, with the owners of the two existing nuclear plants in Minnesota. Xcel Energy, which owns the Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plants, has said it has no plans for another nuclear plant.