Lawmakers across the U.S. have since the start of the year introduced legislation aimed at spurring the development of nuclear power generation in their respective states.
COLORADO
In Colorado, Gov. Jared Polis on March 31 signed into law HB25-1040, Adding Nuclear Energy as a Clean Energy Resource, which updates two statutory definitions to include nuclear energy; except that for property valuations made for tax purposes, the bill exempts from the definition of "clean energy resource" nuclear energy.
The bill specifies that nuclear energy is a clean energy source for the state renewable energy standard.
MINNESOTA
At the start of the year, Minnesota State Sen. Andrew Matthews presented two bills aimed at lifting Minnesota’s 31-year nuclear moratorium, both designed to bolster the state’s energy grid.
One bill proposed lifting the moratorium entirely to allow the construction of all new nuclear power plants, while the other focused specifically on authorizing the development of small, modular nuclear reactors.
Though each bill has bipartisan authors, they were not advanced out of committee. Senate File 468 failed on a tie vote, with a Democrat co-author voting against it, and
Senate File 350 was laid over for future consideration in a larger energy bill, according to a news release from the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus in late January.
Minnesota State Rep. Chris Swedzinski is sponsoring HF9 that, among other things, would lift the state’s moratorium on the construction of nuclear power plants. The House Energy Finance and Policy Committee approved the bill in February 2025.
INDIANA
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Indiana recently approved SB 424.
Among other things, the bill amends as follows the Indiana Code section concerning certificates of public convenience and necessity (certificates) for small modular nuclear reactors:
• Authorizes a public utility to petition the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC) for approval to incur, before obtaining a certificate, project development costs for the development of one or more small modular nuclear reactors.
• Sets forth certain factors that the IURC must consider in reviewing a public utility's petition to incur project development costs.
• Requires the IURC to issue a final order approving or denying the petition not later than 180 days after receiving the petition and the public utility's complete case in chief, subject to the IURC's right to extend the time for review if the public utility does not object to the extension.
• Provides that if a public utility receives approval to incur project development costs, the public utility may petition the IURC at any time before or during the development and execution of a small modular nuclear reactor project for the approval of a rate schedule that periodically adjusts the public utility's rates and charges to provide for the timely recovery of project development costs.
A recent Purdue University-led study prepared for the Indiana Office of Energy Development explores the feasibility and potential impact of implementing small modular reactors in the state. It also outlines opportunities for Indiana to address key challenges with the deployment of this technology both within the state and nationwide.
The study states that SMRs, which are smaller than existing nuclear power plants and could be faster and less expensive to build, are a viable option for 24/7 carbon-free electricity in Indiana.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on April 7 announced that the state will host an in-state retreat aimed at enhancing nuclear energy education and engagement
The retreat is co-sponsored by the National Governors Association and the U.S. Department of Energy and is slated for Summer 2025. Specific dates will be established in the coming weeks.
Goals of the initiative include establishing a state-based nuclear working group with stakeholders, assessing community education needs related to nuclear energy along with developing education resources, statewide community engagement strategy, and analyzing potential for economic development.
Long-term objectives include building a positive and informed advanced nuclear environment throughout the state and supporting Indiana’s strong economy and workforce. Additional goals include potential legislative and fiscal recommendations that benefit state residents.
Event participants currently include the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Governors Association, the Indiana Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources, the Indiana Office of Energy Development, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, and the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor.
ARIZONA
In Arizona, H.B. 2774 would allow a utility, after providing 30 days written notice to the Arizona Corporation Commission to construct a new small modular nuclear reactor in Arizona without filing an application or receiving a certificate of environmental compatibility if the new or small nuclear reactor is co-located with a large industrial energy user.
After providing 30 days written notice to the ACC, a utility could replace an existing thermal electric generating unit with a replacement small modular nuclear reactor or construct a new small modular nuclear reactor without seeking a new certificate of environmental compatibility and without holding a hearing if the new or replacement small modular nuclear reactor is located on or immediately adjacent to the site of a plant that previously received a certificate of environmental compatibility or that was in use or authorized before August 13, 1971.
MICHIGAN
In February, details emerged about a bipartisan effort in the Michigan House of Representatives to encourage nuclear energy generation in the state.
State Reps Pauline Wendzel (R-Bainbridge Township), Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Sam Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), and Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores) unveiled a comprehensive plan to spur the development of next generation nuclear technology in Michigan.
A Feb. 25 news release from Michigan State House Republicans said the comprehensive plan will:
• Pave the way for advanced nuclear reactors: Removes barriers for the next generation of nuclear power reactors by defining “advanced nuclear reactor,” also known as small modular reactors (SMRs), in state law and clarifying siting requirements.
• Establish a nuclear and hydrogen education grant: Establishes a competitive grant program that would award funds to colleges and universities throughout Michigan that establish or expand educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.
• Encourage innovation in the nuclear energy field: Establishes a manufacturing tax credit aimed at incentivizing and supporting qualified research and development expenses that are related to the design, development, or improvement of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Establish the fund for educational grants program: Initiates the creation of a fund to support the program that awards grants to select postsecondary schools in Michigan. These grants will assist in establishing or expanding educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.
• Establish a workforce attraction and retention scholarship program: Proposes a scholarship initiative providing direct grants or tax credits, or both, to graduates — both in-state and out-of-state — who commit to employment at a new or existing electricity generating facility in Michigan powered by nuclear or hydrogen energy for at least three years after obtaining their degree or credential.
• Creates a production tax credit (PTC): For the first 10 gigawatts of power produced by an SMR located in Michigan.
TEXAS
In Texas, State Sen. Cody Harris in March introduced a bill – HB 14 – the Texas Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act.
The bill would create the Texas Advanced Nuclear Deployment Office and establish the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Program, as a subprogram to the Texas Energy Fund.
Once established, the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Program will directly incentivize the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors in the state of Texas.
The Texas House Committee on State Affairs passed the bill on March 31.
UTAH
In Utah, State Rep. Carl Albrecht has introduced H.B. 249, which calls for the creation of a Nuclear Energy Consortium and the Utah Energy Council, establishes a process for designating energy development zones, and creates an Energy Development Investment Fund.
In October 2024, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox unveiled Operation Gigawatt, an initiative to double Utah’s power production over the next 10 years.
Among other things, it calls for enhancing Utah’s policies to enable clean, reliable energy like nuclear and geothermal.
