December 18, 2007

To: Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities

Re: Opposition to AB 347 and AB 348

Following a two-year study of Wisconsin’s electric energy policy, the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin would like to comment on the legislation which has resulted from recommendations made by the Legislative Council Special Committee on Nuclear Power.

AB 347:  LWVWI affirms that the Public Service Commission (PSC) should begin and continue to plan for electric energy sources to replace nuclear power, if and when current facilities are no longer in operation.  However, we oppose this legislation that duplicates current PSC authority and will require either new staff with additional funding or the reassignment of staff from current established priorities.  We also oppose this legislation because a short-term study cannot do justice to a subject of this complexity.

AB 348:  LWVWI affirms the Committee’s intent to include interim storage in the scope of advocacy by the PSC.  However, the League opposes this bill as duplicating or expanding PSC responsibilities without consideration for either the importance of other PSC priorities or the need for additional staff and funding.