Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder is urging legislators to pass a bill addressing potential construction of a second nuclear power plant in the state.
The measure would let utilities charge electric customers for some initial costs of building a plant, such as getting an early site permit from nuclear regulators. A voter-approved 1976 law bars Missouri utilities from passing the costs of building a power plant to their customers before it starts producing electricity.
Proponents of this year's bill contend it's critical to making expansion of nuclear power an option. Critics have raised concerns about consumer protections.
Kinder wants lawmakers to find and pass a compromise before the Legislature adjourns for the year Friday night.