The states are at it again, passing new bills to incentivize and bring nuclear projects into their communities. Just last month I attended the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Summit, which is the largest convening of state policymakers, and heard from legislators all over the country asking for more information, resources, and what more they could do for nuclear. NEI promotes our Policy Options to Support Nuclear, but states have been coming up with their own innovative ideas this legislative session.
Although you won’t catch me picking a favorite state, here are some headline developments from 2024:
Deployment:
Virginia leapt out of the gate by passing concurrent SMR deployment incentive bills, fulfilling Governor Youngkin’s commitments to deployment and the Legislature’s vision for innovation.
The Wyoming Energy Authority awarded Phase Two of the cost share program to assess the viability of deploying small-scale nuclear reactors in the state.
South Carolina’s Nuclear Advisory Council will build out a strategic plan and is resolved to lead on resilience and SMR deployment.
State Budgets:
Tennessee added $10 million to their nuclear supply chain stimulus program, which now totals $60 million.
While Kentucky released their final nuclear working group recommendations, the Legislature passed a bill to set up a permanent Nuclear Energy Authority, and the state budget allocated $20 million for the Authority and nuclear study work.
Washington has $25 million in their state budget for Energy Northwest’s clean energy generation, which can go toward building next- generation nuclear.
California approved funding for Diablo Canyon in July.
Kansas now exempts new nuclear facilities from certain property taxes.
After the Michigan Public Service Commission released its nuclear feasibility report earlier this year, the Legislature doubled its support to reactivate Palisades to a total of $300 million over two years.
Clean Energy:
Utah passed a bill similar to last year’s Idaho bill, which includes nuclear in the definition of clean energy in the state statute, among some other permitting bills in the state energy program.
Iowa passed a battery storage bill recognizing nuclear, while Oklahoma passed a Low Carbon Initiative recognizing nuclear.
Everything else:
Connecticut passed a bill allowing Millstone to continue PPAs with other states in New England.
Governor DeWine appointed members to Ohio’s Nuclear Energy Authority, so they can now begin their work.
South Dakota and Tennessee passed bills designating state authorities and responsibilities for nuclear.
Florida passed a bill to study advanced nuclear including applications at military installations, and New Hampshire passed a bill to continue their nuclear studies as well.
Nebraska released Phase One of their study from the 2022 bill that directed their SMR feasibility study. They have identified 16 potential communities, and Phase Two will entail narrowing down the list down to 2-4 interested communities.
California also passed a joint resolution calling for Congress to find a national repository for used fuel.
The year is not over yet, and the states are still active. Governor Hochul of New York is hosting a Clean Energy Summit in September featuring nuclear and watch out for final recommendations coming out of the Texas Nuclear Working Group, Indiana, and the Tennessee Nuclear Advisory Council.
There continues to be exciting things happening in the states. With the state legislation working in tandem with federal legislation, we can continue to make real change in nuclear energy and the world.
