State policies and actions often end up fueling federal policies and actions—especially when we’re talking about nuclear energy. And it’s not just federal policy that they influence, it’s also the policies of other states. When a state like North Carolina or Michigan takes action on nuclear, it inspires other states to do the same.
Want to learn more about what is going on with nuclear energy in the states? We’re asking the expert, Christine Csizmadia, NEI’s Senior Director of State Governmental Affairs and Advocacy.
Why are state policies important to the development of nuclear technologies in communities?
So, states are doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to incentivizing these new nuclear projects, and they're coming up with some really clever ideas. Like in Washington state, they added nuclear to their clean energy standard, and they added $25 million into the state budget specifically for new nuclear. Then in Virginia, you had two bills that passed that endorsed new nuclear projects. And right after these bills were passed, you had projects that were announced in each of these states. So, clearly the state policies are working.
How can state actions influence federal actions in new nuclear development?
Well, we've all heard the saying that states are the laboratories of democracy, and nuclear is a perfect way to illustrate this. So, states can start the momentum, generate support, and show the federal government how they can keep these projects going.
In what state governments are we seeing new interest for new nuclear development?
In so many states. So, last year, 25 states took action to support nuclear, which was a historic year. We've never seen that level of support. First, you had states like Virginia and Tennessee that stepped up to the plate. Then you have states like Indiana and Texas, they are two states to watch this year. We're excited to see what comes out of them. And then you've got states like North Carolina and Michigan that are just showing consistent support for their existing fleet and new nuclear projects.
How are states working together to develop nuclear?
There are some great partnerships that are starting to develop. So, we're seeing that governors are starting to work together regionally. And then some state governments are copying each other with their good ideas. So, when one state sees a good bill, they copy it verbatim in another state.
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