The proposed bill would amend current statutes concerning the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Arizona by introducing new provisions that streamline the regulatory process. Under current law, utilities must file an application and obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) before constructing any plant or transmission line. The bill allows utilities to construct new SMRs without filing an application or obtaining a certificate if they provide 30 days written notice to the ACC and if the SMR is co-located with an extra high load factor customer. It also permits the replacement of existing thermal electric generating units with SMRs without seeking a new certificate, provided certain conditions are met. Additionally, the bill prohibits counties with populations under 500,000 from regulating the construction and operation of SMRs under specified conditions and modifies the definition of "plant" to include SMRs with a nameplate rating of up to 300 megawatts. It aims to clarify regulations and ensure that local regulations do not conflict with federal, state, or local laws, while also specifying that the state mine inspector can only disapprove regulations that duplicate or conflict with existing laws, requiring written justification for any disapproval. Overall, these updates are designed to encourage the development of SMRs while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-812, 40-360, 40-360.03, 40-360.07, 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, 40-360.09, 40-360.06
Senate Engrossed Version: 11-812, 40-360, 40-360.03, 40-360.07, 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, 40-360.09, 40-360.06
House Engrossed Version: 11-812, 40-360, 40-360.03, 40-360.07, 40-360.14, 3-111, 36-136, 13-3401, 36-2801, 27-301, 3-112, 49-141, 9-462.01, 11-251.12, 9-462.07, 27-446, 27-441, 27-303, 40-360.09, 40-360.06