On February 19, 2026, the Vermont Senate made a historic decision by passing a bill that effectively bans the construction and operation of nuclear power plants in the state. The move comes after months of debate and deliberation, with lawmakers ultimately voting in favor of prioritizing renewable energy sources over nuclear power.The bill, known as Senate Bill 123, was introduced by Senator Emma Thompson and has been met with both praise and criticism from various stakeholders. Supporters of the bill argue that nuclear power poses significant risks to public safety and the environment, citing incidents such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters as evidence of the dangers associated with nuclear energy.Opponents of the bill, including some members of the state's energy industry, have argued that nuclear power is a necessary component of a diverse energy portfolio and that banning it outright could lead to increased reliance on fossil fuels. However, proponents of the bill have pointed to Vermont's abundant renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power, as viable alternatives to nuclear energy.In a statement following the passage of the bill, Senator Thompson expressed her gratitude to her colleagues in the Senate for their support and emphasized the importance of transitioning to clean, renewable energy sources. "This bill represents a significant step forward in our efforts to combat climate change and protect the health and safety of Vermont residents," she said.The bill will now move to the Vermont House of Representatives for further consideration. If approved, Vermont will join a handful of other states that have made the decision to phase out nuclear power in favor of cleaner energy sources. Critics of the bill have vowed to continue fighting against its passage, while supporters remain optimistic about the future of renewable energy in Vermont.