The Republican-controlled Assembly is advancing a bill that would repeal a 1983 law and allow the Public Service Commission to again consider plans to build nuclear power plants.

Supporters say the plan would help shore up the energy supply and combat global warming.

Critics say Wisconsin should focus on renewable sources of energy instead of nuclear. They also say lifting the ban would be irresponsible because there is no place to store toxic waste.

The plan isn't likely to become law this session because Democrats who control the Senate and Gov. Jim Doyle oppose it.

But its consideration in the Assembly has renewed a debate over the safety of nuclear power