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In a surprising turn of events, the Minnesota legislature has passed a bill that effectively bans the construction of new nuclear power plants in the state. The bill, known as the Nuclear Energy Prohibition Act, was introduced by Senator Rebecca Thompson and has garnered widespread support from environmental advocates and many state residents.The passing of this bill marks a significant shift in Minnesota's energy policy, as the state has long been a proponent of nuclear power as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. However, recent safety concerns and the growing popularity of renewable energy sources have led many lawmakers to reconsider their stance on nuclear power.Senator Thompson, the bill's primary sponsor, cited safety and environmental concerns as the driving force behind the legislation. "Nuclear power plants pose a significant risk to public health and the environment, and it is in the best interest of the people of Minnesota to move away from this outdated and dangerous technology," she said in a statement.The bill specifically prohibits the construction of new nuclear power plants in Minnesota and calls for the decommissioning of existing plants within the next 10 years. It also includes provisions for transitioning workers in the nuclear industry to jobs in the growing renewable energy sector.Environmental groups have applauded the passage of the bill, pointing to the potential dangers posed by nuclear power plants in the event of accidents or natural disasters. "This is a crucial step towards a cleaner, safer energy future for Minnesota," said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the Clean Energy Alliance.Despite the positive reception from environmental advocates, the bill has faced pushback from some industry groups and lawmakers who argue that nuclear power is a necessary component of a diversified energy portfolio. Representatives from the Nuclear Energy Association of Minnesota have vowed to challenge the legislation in court, calling it a "short-sighted and ill-advised move that will ultimately harm the state's energy security."Governor Eric Peterson has yet to indicate whether he will sign the bill into law, but many political analysts believe that he is likely to do so given the overwhelming support it has received in the legislature. If signed, Minnesota will join a growing number of states across the country that are phasing out nuclear power in favor of cleaner, renewable energy sources.