AB 174 amends energy statutes to redefine "renewable resources" for reporting purposes, explicitly including nuclear energy starting in 2026. It establishes new definitions for large-scale wind/solar systems (100+ megawatts) and battery storage, while clarifying that local governments cannot restrict energy installations more strictly than state rules. The bill affects energy developers, utilities, and local governments by changing how transmission contracts are audited and how renewable/nuclear projects are categorized. It does not create new project requirements but updates existing reporting frameworks for the state legislature and governor. The bill is pending in the Energy and Utilities Committee after being introduced in April 2025.
SJR 7 is a non-binding legislative resolution passed by Wisconsin's legislature declaring support for nuclear power and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing these technologies, citing their role in providing 66.6% of Wisconsin's carbon-free electricity, powering 1.2 million homes, and supporting 650 high-paying jobs. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes nuclear/fusion energy as essential for meeting energy demands and reducing emissions. It emphasizes Wisconsin's existing nuclear infrastructure (including two operating reactors) and academic resources as foundations for future growth in this sector.
SB 502 creates a 20-year tax credit for nuclear energy facilities in Wisconsin, providing electric utilities and cooperatives with annual credits of $10,000 per megawatt (decreasing to $1,000 by year 19) for qualifying nuclear power generation. The credit applies only to facilities located in Wisconsin that generated electricity during the tax year, with a cap of 20 years per facility. It also modifies definitions to include nuclear energy in "renewable resource" reporting for state agencies and utilities. The bill allows credit transfers to other taxpayers subject to state income tax, but prohibits partnerships and similar entities from claiming the credit directly.
SB 637 creates two tax credits for nuclear energy facilities in Wisconsin: an income/franchise tax credit (under §71.07) and a sales/use tax exemption (under §71.28). It directly affects electric public utilities, cooperatives, municipal electric companies, and qualified wholesale providers that operate nuclear facilities. The credits cover wages paid to full-time facility workers (requiring 2,080 annual hours at ≥150% federal minimum wage) and capital expenditures for facility construction, operation, or maintenance (excluding land purchases). The credits are transferable to other taxable entities and apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027.
AB 132 creates a "nuclear power summit board" to organize, promote, and host a Wisconsin nuclear power summit in Madison, requiring the event to occur within one month after a specific university academic term begins. The board includes appointed legislators (two senators, two assembly members), the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation CEO, a governor-appointed member, and nonvoting industry/faculty representatives. It is funded through a dedicated appropriation from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, with the summit allowing free attendance for Wisconsin residents and varying registration fees for others. The board must disband 180 days after the summit concludes, returning remaining assets to the University of Wisconsin-Madison's nuclear engineering program.
AB 108 requires the Public Service Commission to conduct a study identifying potential sites for nuclear power and fusion energy facilities, including advanced reactors, by a specific deadline. It also mandates that the Commission must make a final decision on applications for large nuclear facilities within 150 days of the application being deemed complete, or automatically approve the project. This directly affects applicants seeking permits for advanced nuclear power plants and the Commission's approval process. The bill aims to streamline approvals for new nuclear energy projects while establishing a formal study to identify suitable locations.
AB 472 creates a tax credit for nuclear energy generation in Wisconsin, directly affecting electric utilities operating nuclear facilities. The bill establishes a credit of $10,000 per megawatt for the first 10 years (decreasing annually to $1,000 by year 19), payable against state taxes for facilities operating in-state and generating electricity. Utilities may transfer or sell these credits to other taxpayers subject to state taxes. The legislation also reclassifies nuclear energy as a "renewable resource" for reporting purposes starting in 2026 and allows utilities to recover certain pre-certification costs through customer rates.
AB 618 creates tax credits for nuclear energy facilities in Wisconsin, directly affecting electric utilities, cooperatives, municipal companies, and qualified wholesale providers. It provides a credit against income/franchise tax for wages paid to full-time nuclear facility workers (defined as 2,080 hours/year at 150% federal minimum wage) and capital expenditures for facility construction, maintenance, or operation (excluding land purchases). The credit can be transferred to other taxpayers subject to certain taxes, though partnerships and LLCs must pass the credit amount to owners rather than claiming it directly. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2027.
SB 125 requires the state to conduct a study on nuclear power and fusion energy siting, including reviewing approval timelines for small modular reactor projects. It mandates the state commission to engage with federal regulators to identify ways to streamline both federal and state permitting processes for advanced nuclear reactors. The bill also sets a new 19th-day deadline for final decisions on certain utility certificate applications (previously 13th), and directs the commission to assess methods for speeding up approvals for large nuclear facilities. This bill directly affects developers of nuclear and fusion energy projects seeking state permits and approvals.
AJR 6 is a symbolic resolution passed by the Wisconsin State Legislature declaring support for nuclear and fusion energy as critical clean energy sources. It states the legislature's commitment to advancing nuclear power, fusion technology, and related innovations to meet energy demands, reduce carbon emissions, and create high-paying jobs - citing current nuclear plants powering 1.2 million homes and avoiding 6.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally endorses expanding nuclear energy development. The bill was introduced in February 2025, referred to committees, and ultimately laid on the table in June 2025 without further action.
