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Utah Senate backs resolution encouraging nuclear power as part of state energy mix
Summary
The Utah Senate passed First Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 16 encouraging nuclear power as one element of the state's future energy mix after a floor debate in which supporters cited economic and supply needs and opponents questioned costs, reprocessing claims and the level of legislative endorsement for specific projects.
The Utah Senate on Day 37 approved First Substitute Senate Joint Resolution 16, a nonbinding statement encouraging nuclear power as part of Utah’s energy mix.
Senator Hinkins introduced the resolution saying it was intended to "encourage the implementation of nuclear power production in the State of Utah for economic reasons and as well as the power needs that are going to be needed." He told colleagues the resolution does not back any specific plant or developer in its revised form.
Senator Valentine asked for clarification and noted the substitute language removed language that would have endorsed a particular project. Senator Romero said he opposed the resolution, arguing that claims in the text that spent fuel is successfully recycled (referenced in the resolution) are not proven and that major companies have declined projects for economic reasons. “I don’t think that it’s been adequately proven that we currently recycle or reprocess spent fuel successfully,” Romero said.
Other senators framed the resolution as part of a broader energy strategy. Senator Stowell and Senator Butters both spoke in favor, citing international examples of nuclear deployment and the need for diverse generation sources. Senator McCoy provided a brief explanation of his vote and noted the resolution’s comparison to French energy policy.
On roll call the resolution passed with 22 yea votes and 7 nay votes and will be forwarded to the House for consideration.
The resolution is nonbinding; it expresses legislative support for pursuing nuclear generation as one of multiple energy sources, not statutory changes or project approvals. The chamber transmitted the measure to the House immediately after the vote.
