Senate committee hears bill to create advanced nuclear workforce program

Senate lawmakers heard testimony on Senate Bill 1535, which would direct the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), working with the coordinating board, to establish an advanced nuclear energy workforce-development program and name the Public Utility Commission (instead of the Railroad Commission) as a consulting entity.

Supporters told the Committee on Natural Resources & Economic Development the state needs targeted training to staff expanding nuclear facilities. Philip Spinrath, who identified himself as from Wharton County and a member of the governor’s workforce study group, said South Texas Project in Bay City employs roughly 1,200 people, many approaching retirement, and that community colleges such as Wharton County Junior College have trained technicians for nearly two decades.

The bill’s author, Senator Zaffirini (author), said the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group recommended a dedicated program after employers described shortages in nuclear-grade welding, radiological monitoring, reactor operations and nuclear engineering. A committee substitute would change one consulting entity named in the filed bill from the Railroad Commission to the Public Utility Commission.

Why it matters: supporters argued the program would anticipate jobs tied to small modular reactors and other advanced designs and avoid workforce gaps that could slow industry growth. Philip Spinrath said community colleges already run long-standing training programs and that technicians – not just engineers – form a large share of plant staffs.

What witnesses said: Mary York of the Texas Workforce Commission appeared as a resource witness and described the agency’s role as one of program oversight rather than permitting; Danny Zigan of the University of Texas’ nuclear engineering program (a participant on the PUC’s working group) said licensing timelines at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission could be shortened in some cases if environmental reviews are transferable or if certified reactor designs are prioritized. Zigan estimated, under some streamlined scenarios, an expedited construction-permit stage for a certified design might be achievable in about a year, though he described that as optimistic compared with typical multi‑year licensing paths.

Public testimony: Philip Spinrath urged funding for workforce programs and said Wharton County’s program draws national interest. The chair closed public testimony and left the bill pending subject to the call of the chair.

No formal action was taken at the hearing; the bill remains pending.

Ending: The committee left SB 1535 pending. Sponsors and resource witnesses signaled the most immediate needs were funding for training programs and coordination between state workforce bodies and industry as permitting and deployment timelines progress.