State Assembly Passes Package of Nuclear Energy Incentives

Monday, January 26th, 2026 -- 9:01 AM

(Rich Kremer, Wisconsin Public Radio) The state Assembly passed a package of nuclear energy incentives Thursday, with backers promising a “nuclear renaissance” in Wisconsin amid a data center building boom.

The legislation, authored by State Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, and state Sen. Jesse James, R-Thorp, would offer two decades of tax credits for companies building new nuclear plants in the state.

During the first 10 years, they’d qualify for annual $10,000 credits. After that, the credits would decrease by $1,000 per year. It would make nuclear energy a high priority for Wisconsin and include nuclear power alongside other sources like wind and solar in a new “low-carbon-emission resource” definition in state law.

It would also authorize the Wisconsin Public Service Commission to approve tariffs aimed at preventing residential customers from paying costs associated with providing electricity to large users, like data centers.

It passed the Assembly on an 86-11 vote, with with strong support from both parties.

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