Senator seeks special session on nuclear plant

JEFFERSON CITY — A state senator is urging Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon to order lawmakers back for a special session about nuclear power.

The House and Senate adjourned last week without agreeing on legislation allowing utilities to charge electric customers for some of the initial costs of developing a nuclear power plant.

House Republican Mike Kehoe, of Jefferson City, says the measure has bipartisan support and would signal support for expanding nuclear energy in Missouri. Kehoe sent Nixon a letter seeking the special session.

Previously, Rep. Chris Kelly of Columbia had also suggested that Nixon call a special session to discuss nuclear power.

A group of utilities announced last fall they were considering seeking an early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The permit would not authorize construction, and the utilities have not committed to building a plant. Nixon endorsed the proposal last fall.