Minnesota Lawmaker Pushes for Nuclear Energy to Lower Electricity Costs

Republican State Rep. Jim Joy of Hawley says lifting the state's nuclear moratorium could help reduce rising power prices.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Republican State Representative Jim Joy of Hawley is calling for Minnesota to lift its nuclear energy moratorium, arguing that it would help lower electricity costs that have risen 15% in his district. Joy says Democrats need to join Republicans in supporting nuclear power as a path to clean energy in the state.

Why it matters

Minnesota has had a moratorium on new nuclear power plants since the 1970s, with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party platform opposing nuclear energy. Joy's push to lift the moratorium sets up a potential partisan clash over the state's energy future and how to address rising electricity prices.

The details

Joy, a Republican representing the Hawley area, says electricity prices have risen 15% in Clay and Becker Counties. He believes lifting the state's nuclear moratorium could help address these cost increases by allowing new nuclear power development, which he sees as a path to clean energy.

  • The Minnesota legislature is currently in session.

The players

Jim Joy

Republican State Representative from Hawley, Minnesota who is pushing to lift the state's nuclear energy moratorium.

Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party

The Minnesota Democratic party, whose platform opposes nuclear power as an energy source.

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What they’re saying

“One of the things we need to do in Minnesota if lift the nuclear moratorium. This would help us start working to the path of clean energy. If they're serious about this, the Democrats will join us as colleagues and get this done.”

— Jim Joy, Republican State Representative (am1100theflag.com)

What’s next

The Minnesota legislature will need to consider and vote on any legislation to lift the state's nuclear energy moratorium.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the ongoing partisan divide in Minnesota over energy policy, with Republicans pushing for nuclear as a solution to rising electricity costs while Democrats maintain opposition to it as an energy source.