The proposed bill would amend current statutes to restrict counties from regulating the use or occupation of land for the construction and operation of small modular reactors (SMRs) if certain conditions are met. Specifically, it would prohibit any county ordinance from preventing or regulating SMRs that are colocated with a large industrial energy user, provided that the user has received the necessary zoning entitlements and the SMR operator has conducted public notice and comment sessions. The bill also clarifies the definitions of "colocated with," "large industrial energy user," and "small modular nuclear reactor" as per the Arizona Corporation Commission's standards.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Arizona Corporation Commission to adopt rules to implement these provisions, including definitions for terms related to the distance between SMRs and industrial users, as well as the energy demand specifications for large industrial energy users. It also allows the Commission to create further definitions as necessary. The bill aims to streamline the regulatory process for SMRs while ensuring public engagement through required notice and comment sessions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-812, 40-360.14, 3-111, 36-136, 13-3401, 36-2801, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303