OLYMPIA — State Sen. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, has been named to a new Joint Select Task Force on Nuclear Energy.

McCoy, the ranking member on the Senate Energy, Environment and Telecommunications Committee, will be one of eight legislators tasked with studying the viability of increased nuclear power production as a tool in reducing the state’s use of carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

“It’s crucial we take a close look at all potential renewable resources, including nuclear energy,” McCoy said. “At the same time, it’s also important that we gather all the facts and make informed decisions about our state’s clean energy future.”

The task force is expected to hold up to four meetings, including two in Richland. The task force is composed of equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats from the state House and Senate, and will report their findings to the Legislature by Dec. 1.