"Indiana is the sole Midwestern state that avoided the nuclear power fad of the 1970s and 1980s.
"But, like many popular trends, Indiana may finally join the party some 40 years late.
"State lawmakers gave final approval Tuesday to legislation directing the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to adopt rules by July 1, 2023, that would permit small modular nuclear reactors be used to generate electricity in the Hoosier State.
"Senate Enrolled Act 271Â does not mandate any utilities switch to nuclear power. Rather, it opens the door for utilities to consider constructing a nuclear generating facility by putting in place the regulations that would guide its development and use.
"State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, the sponsor of the measure, said nuclear is a "cleaner energy" option that ensures Indiana can meet its base load energy needs as Hoosier utilities continue retiring coal-fired power stations in favor of renewables."
"Nuclear power fad"? Too funny. Soliday will soon discover retiring those coal-fired power stations in favor of nuclear is cheaper, more practical, and more reliable. But I guess he's late to the party, too...