Story and Photo by Simon Forbes, Orono; Edited by Lale Akkin, Mounds View
When Governor Sarazyhynskyy launched his campaign, he centered it around resiliency, innovation, and sustainability. Nothing exemplifies this more than the first bill signed into law at YIG 2025: An act looking to reintegrate Nuclear Power into the Minnesota energy grid. Governor Sarazyhynskyy sees this bill as a “progressive move towards cleaner, better energy.” He continues, claiming that Nuclear Power is a critical step towards the “future of the world.”
Yet this was not always an easy decision, Sarazyhynskyy makes it clear that he “knows the risks.” He makes note that being a Ukrainian-American, his parents lived through the Chernobyl disaster, and those close to him have seen the consequences firsthand. “I’ve seen the negatives, but safety has progressed to a point in which I feel more than safe enacting this law,” he said.
The law does more than just push for clean energy, however. Sarazyhynskyy stresses that “the bill is also about creating more energy,” and continues citing the need for more energy as the necessary input grows. Sarazhynskyy sees nuclear power as a way to successfully do this. In fact, Sarazhynskyy notes that it is such a good solution for the future, and he even expects this law to reach actual legislatures in the very near future.
Overall, the union of quality bill-writing, a valuable cause, and even a personal connection make for a perfect start to the legislative season.
