Nuclear energy study

AN ACT Relating to the commercial liftoff for energy from 1
advanced nuclear study; and creating new sections. 2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:3
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that nuclear energy 4
is a safe and reliable source of nonemitting energy and that all 5
electricity provided to Washington retail electric customers must be 6
from nonemitting or renewable resources by January 1, 2045. The 7
legislature finds that decarbonization policies and artificial 8
intelligence applications have accelerated demand on Washington's 9
electricity grid. Nuclear energy: (1) Provides significant value to a 10
decarbonized grid; (2) is a clean, firm complement to renewable 11
resources; (3) has low land-use requirements while producing energy 12
at scale; and (4) offers high-paying jobs and regional economic 13
benefits.14
Therefore, the legislature intends to study the benefits of 15
expanded nuclear energy to Washington's clean energy economy.16
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The joint legislative audit and review 17
committee shall enter into a contract with a third party to conduct a 18
study on the benefits of nuclear energy and the deployment of small 19
modular reactors. The study must be referred to as the "commercial 20
H-0211.2
HOUSE BILL 1481
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Representatives Barnard and Nance
Read first time 01/21/25. Referred to Committee on Environment &
Energy.
p. 1 HB 1481
liftoff for energy from advanced nuclear" study. The study must 1
include recommendations on how to maximize the benefits of nuclear 2
energy and small modular reactors in the state, including the 3
benefits of workforce development and job creation. The study must 4
also include an examination of the feasibility and benefits of 5
replacing a coal-fired electric generation facility as described in 6
RCW 80.80.040(3)(c) with a nuclear power plant. 7
(2) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall report 8
to the appropriate committees of the legislature on the results of 9
the study by July 1, 2027. 10
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The joint committee on energy supply, 11
energy conservation, and energy resilience must convene to review the 12
report produced by the joint legislative audit and review committee 13
under section 2 of this act before December 1, 2027. The joint 14
committee on energy supply, energy conservation, and energy 15
resilience must offer an opportunity for public comment at this 16
meeting.17
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p. 2 HB 1481