Indiana supports House Bill 1007 to promote small modular reactors for energy innovation

The Senate Utilities Committee of the Indiana State Legislature convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1007, which aims to address the state's energy needs amid significant technological advancements and increasing demand. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, highlighting the bill's potential impact on Indiana's energy landscape.

The session began with a presentation emphasizing the critical need for collaboration across local, regional, state, and federal levels to meet the energy demands of Indiana's growing economy. Supporters of House Bill 1007, including representatives from the Indiana Energy Association, praised the legislation for fostering innovation and efficiency, particularly in the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). They noted that the bill would enhance Indiana's competitiveness by providing necessary tools to accommodate large load customers and streamline the regulatory framework for energy production.

Danielle McGrath from the Indiana Energy Association outlined the bill's provisions, which include two tracks for utility resource planning: an expedited generation resource plan and a project-specific approach. This dual-track system is designed to ensure that utilities can meet their obligations while protecting existing customers and maintaining affordable rates.

Ryan Hadley, representing the Indiana Electric Cooperatives, expressed strong support for the bill, highlighting its role in facilitating the development of SMRs and enhancing Indiana's position in the nuclear energy sector. He noted that cooperatives are eager to collaborate with the state to attract large manufacturing and data center operations, which are crucial for economic growth.

David Ober from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the bill responds to the high-risk designation of Indiana's energy region due to increasing demand and generator retirements. He emphasized the importance of establishing a balanced approach to resource adequacy and the need for large load customers to share in the costs associated with capacity additions.

However, the meeting also included opposition from environmental advocates. Robin Scayabos from the Sierra Club raised concerns about the potential long-term implications of expanding nuclear energy in Indiana. She argued that the proposed SMRs could generate significantly more nuclear waste than traditional plants and criticized the bill for potentially locking the state into costly energy solutions that may not meet immediate demands.

The committee concluded the meeting with a call for further discussion and consideration of the bill's implications. As Indiana navigates its energy future, House Bill 1007 stands as a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at balancing innovation, economic growth, and environmental responsibility. The committee plans to reconvene to address the concerns raised and evaluate the next steps in the legislative process.