Senate committee hears HB 4046 proposal to study advanced nuclear reactors in Oregon

An Oregon Senate Energy and Environment Committee informational hearing on Feb. 11 examined House Bill 4046 (‑2 amendment), which would require the Oregon Department of Energy to study the technical feasibility, costs and risks of advanced nuclear reactors as part of the state’s future energy mix. Presenters and lawmakers discussed study scope, funding mechanisms, waste management and protections for environmental justice communities.

Representative Boomer Wright, a bill sponsor, told the committee the measure is intended as a "balanced objective, technical feasibility study" of advanced nuclear reactors and their potential to provide clean base‑load power, while also addressing timing, safety, workforce and financing. "Oregon has need of a diverse mix of clean energy generation sources that can provide reliable base load power," Wright…