[simage=7297,200,y,left] Legislation is on the table at the Iowa Capital that would allow Mid-American Energy to more closely explore nuclear energy options. Mid-American spokesperson Tina Potthoff tells KNIA/KRLS News that as more regulations come down from the Environmental Protection Agency, operations at many of their older coal-burning plants will become unfeasible. She says that energy needs will only continue to increase, and Mid-American needs to find a way to keep up with those demands. Potthoff notes that nuclear energy is important because it is the only proven available technology that delivers large-scale carbon-free base-load generation. She adds that what they would build in Iowa is much safer than the nuclear plants built in Japan. Potthoff says that those were built 40 years ago, and the technology has come very far since then.

John Smith, CEO of Pella Cooperative Electric, tells KNIA/KRLS news that the legislation under consideration is of critical importance. He says that electric consumers should be sure to get the facts straight regarding the issue, as there is much misinformation being spread. Smith sees nuclear energy as being a vital part of Iowa’s energy future.