Requirements for approval of construction of nuclear power plants and changes to the state's energy priorities policy

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

This bill makes changes to the approval of nuclear power plants. Under current law, with certain exceptions, a person may not construct any new power plant unless the Public Service Commission (PSC) has issued a certificate to the person. The PSC may not issue a certificate unless specified requirements are satisfied. In addition, if the proposed power plant is a nuclear power plant, current law prohibits the PSC from issuing a certificate unless the PSC finds both of the following: 1) that there is a facility with sufficient capacity to receive the spent fuel from all nuclear power plants in the state; and 2) that construction of the power plant is economically advantageous to ratepayers based on specified factors. This bill eliminates the additional findings required under current law for a proposed nuclear power plant.

The bill also makes changes to current law that provides that, in meeting energy demands, the policy of the state is that, to the extent cost-effective and technically feasible, options be considered based on the following priorities, in the following order: 1) energy conservation and efficiency; 2) noncombustible renewable energy resources; 3) combustible renewable energy resources; and 4) nonrenewable combustible energy resources. Current law requires, to the greatest extent cost-effective and technically feasible, state agencies and local governments to design new and replacement energy projects in accordance with the priorities. In addition, the Department of Administration must implement the priorities in designing its energy programs and awarding grants or loans for energy projects, and, with certain exceptions, the PSC must implement the priorities, to the extent cost-effective, technically feasible, and environmentally sound, in making all energy-related decisions and orders.

Who's behind it

31 lawmakers are its authors⁠. All 31 are Republicans.

4 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories