ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) âÄî The debate over expanding Minnesota’s nuclear energy gets an airing at the Capitol this week. No votes are planned at a joint House-Senate hearing on the issue on Wednesday. Interest in nuclear power has grown as a way to wean the country off foreign energy. Lawmakers have introduced several bills this year to lift a state moratorium on new nuclear power plants, but the proposals haven’t advanced through committees. State law currently prohibits the Public Utilities Commission from certifying new nuclear power plants. Minnesota has two operating plants, in Monticello and Prairie Island. The agenda for the hearing includes an update on what other states are doing and testimony from supporters and opponents of nuclear power.