Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Minerals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances $100,000 study to map thorium and related materials
Summary
Appropriations committee approved HB2798 as amended to provide $100,000 to the University of Arizona/Arizona Geological Survey to inventory non-uranium mineral resources, including thorium; sponsor said the research supports economic development and advanced nuclear technologies, while some members questioned in-state yield and whether private industry should fund exploration.
The Arizona House Appropriations Committee advanced HB2798 as amended, approving a Livingston amendment that sets the appropriation at $100,000 and expands the required reporting. The committee returned the bill with a due-pass recommendation by recorded vote (11 yes, 5 no, 1 present, 1 not voting).
Sponsor Rep. Michael Carbone said HB2798 directs the Arizona Geological Survey (housed at the University of Arizona) to compile data and create a map of state resources for non-uranium fuels such as thorium, which he described as a lower-waste alternative for advanced reactor designs. Carbone framed the measure as an economic-development and national-security step to determine whether Arizona has commercially useful deposits.
Several members, including Rep. Travers, questioned whether Arizona geology holds commercially viable thorium deposits — noting historical small 'veinlets' in limited locations and pointing to larger international deposits — and whether a state appropriation is the right use of public funds. Andre DeGravina, representing the University of Arizona, confirmed the Arizona Geological Survey can perform the work if funding is provided and that staff support the appropriation.
The committee adopted the Livingston amendment (01/26/2026) to specify $100,000 and broaden the reporting requirements before moving the amended bill to a due-pass vote.
