North Dakota panel opens study of advanced nuclear power, issues RFPs and hears industry briefings

The Advanced Nuclear Energy Interim Committee of the North Dakota Legislative Management opened a study of the feasibility, siting and deployment of advanced nuclear power in the state, reviewing a background memorandum and beginning a formal consultant selection process to support the work.

The study was established by House Bill 1025, which also included a $300,000 appropriation to the Legislative Council to contract consulting services and directed staff to seek matching funds from the private sector, Legislative Council staff Megan Gordon told the panel. Gordon provided a background memorandum that summarized federal statutes, regulatory pathways and model state actions that the committee will consider.

Why it matters: Committee members and invited speakers told lawmakers that data centers, artificial intelligence and other big electric loads are increasing demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity and that states that act now may capture long-term economic and workforce benefits. Presenters said advanced reactors and microreactors could provide firm, low-emission power for industrial users, data centers and utilities, but highlighted unresolved issues including fuel supply, waste management and licensing timelines.

Federal and state context Megan Gordon, legislative counsel for the committee, summarized the statutory and regulatory framework the committee must consider. She cited foundational federal laws including the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and later measures such as the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (2019) and the ADVANCE Act (2024) that aim to modernize licensing for advanced reactors. Gordon also noted North Dakota statutes (Century Code Chapter 30-82) that currently prohibit placement or disposal of high-level radioactive waste within the state and that the state has a High-Level…