Sen. Bradley of Wisconsin Senate authors bill mandating nuclear power siting study

The new bill authored by State Sen. Julian Bradley in the Wisconsin Senate seeks to require the Public Service Commission to conduct a comprehensive nuclear power siting study and report its findings to the legislature, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “a nuclear power siting study and time limits for taking final action on certain certificate of public convenience and necessity applications. (FE)”.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct a nuclear power siting study and report its findings to the legislature within 12 months of the bill’s effective date. The study must identify existing and potential sites for nuclear power generation, evaluate opportunities for both fission and fusion technologies, and consider guidance for advanced nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors. It may also involve contracting with a third party for study components. Additionally, the bill requires the PSC to resolve applications for certificates of public convenience and necessity for facilities with advanced nuclear reactors within 150 days of completion, with a possible 150-day extension for good cause. If the PSC doesn’t act within these timeframes, the certificate is deemed granted. The bill takes effect the day after publication or two days after the publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Shae A. Sortwell (Republican-2nd District), Senator Rob Hutton (Republican-5th District), Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District), Senator Rob Stafsholt (Republican-10th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Calvin T. Callahan (Republican-35th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), and Representative Chanz J. Green (Republican-74th District), along 14 other co-sponsors.

Julian Bradley has authored or co-authored another 19 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Bradley graduated from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse in 2014 with a BS.

Bradley, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 to represent the state’s 28th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Dave Craig.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.