House passes package of bills to promote advanced nuclear and hydrogen energy

The Michigan House on Oct. 28 approved a package of bills (House Bills 4124–4129) aimed at encouraging advanced nuclear and hydrogen energy development in the state, including tax credits for research and development, workforce training provisions, and a graduate attraction and retention program.

Supporters described the package as a coordinated effort to position Michigan as a leader in advanced nuclear technology and hydrogen production. Representative Shriver said nuclear "represents a path forward that strengthens our economy, protects our environment, and ensures that Michigan remains a leader in innovation." Representative Andrews argued the state has unique assets—including a recently restarted Palisades nuclear plant in his district and engineering graduates from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan—that make Michigan well suited for small modular reactor research and manufacturing.

Proponents said the bills will create incentives to retain graduates and attract private investment, with targeted tax credits and grant programs to support R&D and workforce development. Representative Thompson described the bills as defining "advanced nuclear reactor technology" in state law and creating programs intended to replace retired coal plants with low‑carbon alternatives.

The House considered and passed each bill on third reading; recorded tallies announced by the clerk were as follows: House Bill 4124 — 78 aye, 26 nay (passed; immediate effect ordered); House Bill 4125 — clerk announced 24 nay votes and made a passing announcement but the transcript’s yes tally is not specified in the record excerpt (bill declared passed; immediate effect ordered); House Bill 4126 — 82 aye, 22 nay (passed; immediate effect ordered); House Bill 4127 — 85 aye, 19 nay (passed; immediate effect ordered); House Bill 4128 — 78 aye, 26 nay (passed; immediate effect ordered); House Bill 4129 — 84 aye, 20 nay (passed; immediate effect ordered).

The bills as presented amend or create provisions in the Income Tax Act of 1967 and related statutes to authorize tax credits, define advanced nuclear technology in state law, and establish a graduate attraction and retention program for nuclear and hydrogen talent. Several speakers tied the package to local economic development, jobs in manufacturing and construction, and the goal of lowering energy costs.

Following passage, the majority floor leader moved and the House ordered immediate effect for a number of bills in the package.

The transcript records floor debate in support of the package by Representatives Shriver, Skaggs, Andrews, Thompson and Wenzel; the record shows the clerks’ vote tallies and that each bill was declared passed. The record does not include substantive floor debate opposing the package beyond recorded nay tallies.