Sioux City, Iowa — Several northwest Iowans are voicing opposition to a proposal that could draw nuclear energy to the area. The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors held its first of three public hearings on Tuesday afternoon about proposed zoning changes. The chairwoman of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Victoria Kitcheyan says nuclear power is too risky.
County officials say they don’t have a specific plan in the works, but they believe more power is needed to attract businesses. They also worry about MidAmerican Energy shutting down two area coal plants. A spokesperson says the company expects to retire its remaining coal-fired units by 2049. Other opponents who spoke were from the Sierra Club, as well as citizens like Rita Iversen of Sioux City.
Doyle Turner is a member of the county board of adjustment. He’s in favor of the zoning changes that include informing residents in a 10-mile radius of any proposed permits.
Supervisors approved the first reading of the ordinance that includes some restrictions. Two more hearings will take place on July 29th and August 5th. The federal government would have to approve any nuclear project.
(Sheila Brummer, Iowa Public Radio)
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