In the past week, two pieces of nuclear legislation moved forward in two Midwestern states.

In Wisconsin, a bill to create new tax credits for new power plants passed through the state Assembly and went to the Senate, while in Indiana, a bill to simplify the state approval process for new plants passed through the state Senate and went to the House.

Utah-based EnergySolutions announced on January 15 that it has submitted a notice of intent to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, confirming that the company plans to submit an application for a “major licensing action” for new nuclear generation at the closed Kewaunee nuclear power plant in Wisconsin. Applications for an early site permit, construction permit, or combined license are currently being evaluated, the company said.

Utah-based EnergySolutions announced that it is working with Milwaukee-based utilities company WEC Energy Group to explore new nuclear generation in Wisconsin and will begin efforts to pursue an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the closed Kewaunee nuclear power plant in Wisconsin.

Lawmakers are crossing the aisle to back proposals to expand nuclear power and nuclear research in the Badger State, especially as energy-hungry data center projects advance in Wisconsin and projections for energy demand soar.

The state has a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 but will also need to generate more power to support data center plans, such as those being discussed in Port Washington and Beaver Dam, according to media reports.

A joint resolution under consideration in the Wisconsin legislature aims to declare and promote the state’s support for nuclear power and willingness to deploy additional sources.