Raised Bill No. 5357, introduced in the February Session, 2024, has been referred to the Committee on ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY. This bill mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct a study on two primary aspects of nuclear power generation in the state. Firstly, the feasibility and potential benefits of developing a new reactor, including a small modular reactor, at an existing nuclear power generating facility. Secondly, the impact that decommissioning the Unit 1 reactor at an existing facility would have. The findings and recommendations from this study are to be reported to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly with jurisdiction over energy matters by January 1, 2025.

The bill is effective upon passage and introduces a new section to the statutes. The purpose of the bill is to explore the possibility of expanding nuclear power at the site of an existing nuclear power generating facility. The bill does not include any deletions from the current law but adds new legal language to initiate the study and report.