It’s only February, and so far this year, NEI is tracking more than 100 bills related to nuclear energy. Building on the historic momentum seen in legislatures across the country last year, 2023 is proving to be just as significant as policymakers continue to turn to nuclear energy as the solution to energy woes.
From Alaska to Maine, and just about everywhere in between, conversations on the importance of reliable, carbon-free energy are taking place in state houses.
2022 was an unprecedented year for nuclear policy in the U.S. with 19 states considering legislation and 12 states enacting policies to support existing and new nuclear generation. Although we are just weeks into 2023, here are the biggest legislative trends we are already seeing in state capitals:
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Advanced reactors
What does the next generation of nuclear reactors look like? Just ask Virginia! Late last year, Governor Youngkin announced his moonshot intention to deploy a small modular reactor (SMR) in the Commonwealth within a decade. The General Assembly is actively considering multiple pieces of legislation that would help make this moonshot a reality. We are also seeing efforts to support advanced reactors in Washington, Indiana, Nebraska, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma, Connecticut, South Dakota, West Virginia, Illinois, Oregon, and Maine.
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Moratorium repeals
Last year, we saw West Virginia and Connecticut move to repeal their antiquated laws prohibiting the construction of nuclear facilities. This year, measures have been introduced in California, Oregon, Minnesota, and Illinois repealing each state’s nuclear moratorium.
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Workforce development
NEI surveyed its member utilities and found that nearly 300 gigawatts of small modular reactors would be needed by 2050. This enormous demand requires a pipeline of trained and qualified workers—who will enjoy high-paying, long-lasting jobs. We’re seeing efforts in Washington, Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Nebraska to proactively develop the institutions necessary to train the next generation of the nuclear workforce.
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Clean energy standards
What is the nation’s largest form of clean, carbon-free energy? States know the answer and are defining nuclear in standards and policies. Lawmakers in Missouri, Virginia, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Colorado, New Mexico, Tennessee, Idaho, and Arizona are moving to recognize nuclear as a fundamental and reliable clean source of energy. Minnesota moved quickly and just signed into law a clean energy standard, which includes nuclear, to meet their 100% carbon-free goal by 2040.
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Studying Nuclear Energy
States with and without nuclear assets are looking to learn more about advanced nuclear technology. New Hampshire, Michigan, Maryland, Montana, and Nebraska have led the charge with commissioning feasibility studies. This year South Dakota has already passed their SMR study bill, while Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and New York are exploring study options. Nebraska and Minnesota are particularly interested in hydrogen production from nuclear energy.
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Governors on deck
Governors are talking nuclear in their State of the State Addresses. Tennessee’s Governor Lee just proposed a $50 million Nuclear Fast Track fund to recruit companies that will specifically establish a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem in the state. Wyoming’s Governor Gordon, Alaska’s Governor Dunleavy, and Virginia’s Governor Youngkin also touted nuclear projects in their addresses.
As you can see, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the nuclear industry. As policymakers face concerns about maintaining a reliable electric grid, meeting carbon emission goals, and lowering electricity prices, they are turning to nuclear energy as the solution.
Looking to learn more about historical legislative and regulatory success around nuclear energy? Visit NEI’s report on state legislation and regulations and read NCSL’s recent report on nuclear policy in the states.
Looking to see what policy actions can be taken to reduce barriers to advanced nuclear deployment? Visit NEI’s report on policy options for states.
Also, please share “What Every Governor Needs to Know About Nuclear” and “What Every Legislator Needs to Know About Nuclear” with your networks of state policymakers.
