The proposed bill would amend current statutes regarding the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Arizona. Under current law, utilities must file an application for a certificate of environmental compatibility with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) before constructing any plant or transmission line. The bill introduces new provisions allowing utilities to construct SMRs without this application if they provide 30 days written notice to the ACC and if the SMR is co-located with a large industrial energy user. Additionally, it allows for the replacement of existing thermal electric generating units with SMRs under similar conditions. Furthermore, the bill removes certain restrictions that would prevent local ordinances from regulating the construction and operation of SMRs, particularly in counties with populations under 500,000. It also mandates that the ACC adopt rules defining key terms related to SMRs, including "co-located with," "large industrial energy user," and "SMR," while establishing specific criteria for these definitions. The bill modifies the definition of "plant" to include SMRs with a nameplate rating of 200 megawatts or more, rather than the previous threshold of 100 megawatts.

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