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Panel approves $300,000 state study of nuclear energy development, advances House Bill 1025
Summary
An appropriations subcommittee voted to advance House Bill 1025, approving a $300,000 appropriation to commission a state study on the feasibility of nuclear energy, with emphasis on small modular reactors and consultant support.
The Appropriations — Education and Environment Division voted to advance House Bill 1025, approving a $300,000 appropriation to fund a state study on developing nuclear energy in North Dakota.
State Sen. David Hogue, who introduced the bill to the committee, told members the appropriation would pay consultants to study “the feasibility and advisability of trying to incent the development of nuclear energy within the state of North Dakota.” He said the study is intended to provide expertise that state agencies and local industry currently lack.
The bill would fund a standalone study by the 69th Legislative Assembly after work during the interim by the Interim Energy Development and Transmission Committee. “We are one of the few states that does not have any nuclear generation within our state,” Hogue said, noting interest from the private sector: “Two companies have expressed interest in also submitting funding to go along with the $300,000 from the state of North Dakota.”
Hogue told the committee that federal agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission can also supply expertise through grants that pay stipends to experts who come to the state rather than direct cash awards to North Dakota. He described technological changes and market interest in small modular reactors as part of the rationale for the study.
Senator Shively supported advancing the bill, saying modular reactors offer “very, very viable, quick dispatchable energy” that could improve grid reliability. After brief discussion, a motion to advance the amended bill was moved and seconded. The committee recorded aye votes from the chair, Sen. Connolly, Sen. Thomas and Sen. Scheible; the motion carried 4-0 and the bill was advanced.
Committee remarks also referenced language in the bill addressing temporary on- and off‑site storage of nuclear waste; a committee member noted an earlier explanation that the language concerns storage and handling rather than siting facilities outside the state.
The panel chair said the bill will be carried forward to the next committee stage; one committee member indicated he would carry it to the full committee for further consideration.
