By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times
Key Points:
- GOP lawmakers introduce six bills to accelerate small modular nuclear reactor development
- The bills preempt county governments from prohibiting SMR construction
- Opponents argue SMRs will not be ready for deployment in Arizona anytime soon
Republican lawmakers hope to clear the path for new nuclear energy technology in Arizona, while opponents argue it is too soon to expect that technology to come online.
Six bills aimed at making it easier to construct small modular nuclear reactors, known as SMRs, have been introduced this session as buzz around the alternative to large nuclear plants grows. The bills focus on prohibiting counties from banning the construction or operation of SMRs and making it easier for data centers to build SMRs to power their operations.
“The future is here, A.I. is here, data centers are here,” said Rep. Justin Wilmeth during a Feb. 12 committee hearing. “We need more energy, and I think (SMRs are) a great approach to be more flexible and create more energy options in the future.”
