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Senate adopts resolution supporting study of small modular nuclear reactors and energy options
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 passed after floor debate; sponsors highlighted small modular reactors as one option to bolster Delaware's power supply while other senators urged broader consideration and raised concerns about fuel supply and timelines.
The Delaware Senate on March 26 passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, which highlights small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential component of Delaware's future energy mix and urges examination of nuclear options to ensure adequate power supply. The chamber recorded the required majority on a roll call and declared the resolution passed.
Sponsor Senator Richardson praised work by staff and supporters, saying the resolution addresses Delawareans' need for an adequate power supply while protecting the environment. Richardson described SMRs as advanced nuclear reactors with roughly one-third the generating capacity of traditional reactors and said, at a high capacity factor, SMRs "could eliminate the need for electricity imports, enhancing Delaware's energy independence." He identified the Indian River Power Plant and two other Delaware sites as potential locations for generation.
Floor discussion included procedural and policy cautions. Senator Townsend told colleagues he had asked the sponsor to wait briefly to coordinate with the House on a possible broader effort; Richardson declined, and the resolution proceeded. Senator Hawker cautioned that some advanced reactor fuels are currently sourced only from Russia and that establishing a domestic or allied supply chain could take years. "If you're concerned about blackouts or brownouts by 2026 I think we need to look at some of the other things that are a whole heck of a lot closer," Hawker said, urging that other technologies such as hydrogen be considered alongside SMRs.
Richardson said he welcomed House amendments and described the floor action as a step to "freeze the frame" and move a proposal forward for further work.
The resolution is nonbinding: it urges study and discussion of nuclear and other energy technologies but does not authorize siting, procurement, or funding. The resolution passed the Senate by roll call; sponsors and cosponsors were recorded on the floor.
