Committee backs resolution to create task force to study small modular nuclear reactors in Louisiana

The House Natural Resources Committee on June 3 voted to report House Resolution 249 favorably after Representative Echols described the measure as a study-and-recommendation task force for small modular nuclear reactors in Louisiana.

Representative Tim Echols (transcript identifies as Representative Echols) told the committee HR 249 would form a task force to study policies around small modular reactors, including infrastructure needs, permitting, zoning and opportunities for coordination with higher-education institutions. "I wanna look at and study everything from, you know, some of the infrastructure we need in place enhancements, maybe have recommendations around how we can collaborate with our higher ed systems for policy and then also looking at different things around zoning and regulation," Echols said.

Vice Chair (recorded as Vice Chair) supported the resolution and suggested the Public Service Commission be added as a member. Representative Travis Johnson and others suggested additional higher-education representation from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University. Committee staff offered a concept amendment to add the dean of engineering at UL (or designee) and a commissioner of the Public Service Commission (or designee); the committee adopted that concept amendment and then reported HR 249 favorably.

Representative Echols said an earlier resolution he sponsored focused on spent nuclear fuel and that HR 249 is intended to focus on zoning, permitting and policy recommendations relevant to siting small modular reactors for industrial and data-center power needs.

There was no formal public testimony recorded on the resolution at committee; Representative Echols waived closing remarks and the committee moved the resolution forward without objection.