Senate Bill No. 127, introduced by Senator Bass, aims to enhance the permitting process for advanced nuclear power generation in Louisiana. The bill amends R.S. 30:2014.5 to authorize the secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to develop and implement a program that expedites the processing of environmental permits, modifications, licenses, registrations, or variances for applicants. This includes the establishment of a federal permitting parity program specifically for nuclear power generation applications submitted by electric public utilities.

Under the proposed law, electric public utilities must demonstrate that their applications are for the development and construction of small modular reactors and are consistent with a letter of collaboration with various federal agencies. The secretary is also required to adopt rules in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to ensure that permits issued under this program are clearly identified as such. The changes are set to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
SB127 Original: