State Legislatures Support New Nuclear Build

So many states have been busy passing resolutions or legislation to support new nuclear plant construction that it might just be time for a roundup of all the activity. The bills and resolutions address the sharp increase in energy demand and consumption expected in the United States in the coming decades. They also recognize the need for increased energy independence; new-build incentives in the Energy Policy Act of 2005; and nuclear energy’s safety, reliability and clean-air attributes.

The South Dakota legislature passed a resolution (1010) Feb. 27 supporting the development of nuclear power in the state. It encourages U.S. academic institutions to pursue research in developing nuclear energy, and is similar to a bill, signed into law March 3, to examine the feasibility of new nuclear generation in the state.

Another resolution (865), passed by a large majority of the Georgia State Senate in March, urges electric utilities to conduct a feasibility study for building new nuclear power plants in the state. The resolution cites the price volatility of natural gas—which fuels the large majority of power plants built in Georgia in the last 15 years—as a reason not only to consider new nuclear build, but also to maintain the state’s current share (about 27 percent) of nuclear generation.

Virginia’s proposed comprehensive 10-year energy plan (SB 262), passed by both houses, directs the State Corporation Commission to evaluate different land areas for their suitability as future sites of nuclear, wind energy, liquefied natural gas and solar energy facilities. The four reactors at the existing Surry and North Anna nuclear plants, however, are exempt from this process.

The Florida Energy Diversity and Efficiency Act (S 2494), now under consideration in both houses, proposes a “centrally coordinated permitting process” to support new reactors in the state. It also would define the process for expanding generating capacity at existing nuclear plants in the state.

Out West, the governor of Utah signed a bill (H.B. 46) in March that promotes the study of nuclear power generation.

The legislature in South Carolina is considering a bill (S 1238) encouraging construction of a new nuclear reactor at the single-reactor V.C. Summer plant, of which the South Carolina Public Service Authority and South Carolina Electric and Gas Co. share ownership.

And finally, a bill (HB 2904) is moving through the Kansas House of Representatives that would provide a property tax exemption for a new or expanded nuclear generation facility.

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