During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical issues surrounding per diem rates and the future of nuclear energy in Virginia.

The meeting opened with concerns regarding the approved per diem rates, which have not kept pace with actual costs. Officials emphasized the need for improvements to prevent taxpayers from shouldering the financial burden.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) as a key component of Virginia's energy strategy. With over 30% of the state's power generated from zero-emission nuclear sources, Virginia is positioned as a leader in clean nuclear energy. The recent signing of a bill by the governor to advance SMRs, particularly in Louisa County, was highlighted as a promising development. This initiative, supported by a partnership between Dominion Energy and Amazon Web Services, represents a substantial $3 billion investment in the region.

Officials expressed strong support for SMRs, citing their reliability and reduced environmental footprint compared to traditional energy sources like coal, solar, and wind. However, there was a cautionary note regarding the financial implications of such projects. One senator voiced concerns about previous legislation that would have passed development costs onto ratepayers, referencing a failed state experiment that left consumers with significant financial liabilities.

The senator praised the current partnership model, where Amazon is set to cover development costs, as a more sustainable approach to advancing cleaner energy solutions. The discussion also touched on the ongoing challenges of nuclear waste management, with officials acknowledging the public's reluctance to accept waste storage facilities in their communities.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to exploring innovative energy solutions while addressing financial and environmental concerns, positioning Virginia as a potential leader in the transition to cleaner energy sources.