HB 1465-FN is a legislative bill that aims to enhance the oversight and development of nuclear energy in New Hampshire. It assigns the Department of Energy the responsibility of supervising studies on nuclear energy uses, including advanced nuclear reactors and wind energy, and renames the office of offshore wind industry development to include energy innovation. The bill amends RSA 162-B:1 and 2 to ensure consistency with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and to promote a unified system of nuclear regulation within the state. It emphasizes the importance of continuous studies and the regular publication of results to inform potential changes in laws and rules. Additionally, the bill outlines the duties of the coordinator of nuclear development and regulatory activities, who will study the impact of nuclear materials and facilities on state laws and regulations and recommend necessary changes. The language of the bill is updated to be more inclusive and to reflect current terminology, and it specifies that nuclear-related activities within the state require a license or permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The bill also defines the role of the commissioner of the Department of Energy as the governor's senior adviser on nuclear energy development and regulatory activities. It introduces a new definition for "advanced nuclear reactor" and expands the responsibilities of the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development to encompass Energy Innovation. The bill mandates coordination of studies related to nuclear energy and requires that no nuclear-specific administrative rule be adopted without the coordinator's review, unless there is an emergency. The responsibilities of the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development and Energy Innovation are also detailed, including advising on clean energy resources and offshore wind development. Additionally, the bill amends the Renewable Energy Fund to support initiatives and the office's expanded activities. The act will take effect upon its passage. The fiscal note indicates no impact on state, county, or local expenditures or revenue, and the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant has confirmed this assessment. No insertions or deletions are marked in the provided text, suggesting no direct budgetary or legal language alterations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 162-B:1, 162-B:3, 162-B:4, 162-B:6
As Amended by the House: 162-B:1, 162-B:3, 162-B:6, 12-O:51-a, 12-P:7-b, 362-F:10, 374-F:10
As Amended by the Senate: 162-B:1, 162-B:3, 162-B:6, 12-O:51-a, 362-F:10, 374-F:10
Version adopted by both bodies: 162-B:1, 162-B:3, 162-B:6, 12-O:51-a, 362-F:10, 374-F:10