The proposed bill would amend current statutes concerning the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Arizona. Under current law, utilities are required to 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. It also allows for the replacement of existing thermal electric generating units with SMRs under similar conditions. Additionally, the bill removes certain restrictions that prevent local ordinances from regulating the construction and operation of SMRs in counties with populations under 500,000. It mandates the ACC to 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. Overall, these updates aim to streamline the regulatory process and facilitate the development of SMRs while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

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