Lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at expanding nuclear energy development in the state.
SB 1116, sponsored by Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit), would establish the Missouri Nuclear Energy Advancement Act, which aims to kickstart future nuclear energy projects.
The bill would create the Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to coordinate nuclear energy strategy and oversee development efforts. The office would administer a new Missouri Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, providing grants of up to $100 million to eligible projects.
During a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, Fitzwater said, “We have a future that has a massive energy demand, and we want to create an environment in Missouri where we can meet that demand. I think we need to be thinking and prioritizing the nuclear energy potential.”
The Missouri Chamber supports the bill as a way to modernize the state’s energy infrastructure, enhancing our grid’s resilience and making Missouri more competitive in attracting major technology investments.
“This bill sends not only a statewide signal, but a nationwide signal that Missouri is embracing technologies of the future and doing the things necessary to bolster and secure the reliability for our energy grid,” said Jared Hankinson, vice president of government affairs for the Missouri Chamber. “This could attract major projects to the state that would bring jobs and stimulate our economy.”
A companion bill, HB 2598, sponsored by Rep. John Black (R-Marshfield), was heard this week in the House Utilities Committee. The Missouri Chamber offered testimony in support of the bill.
For more information, contact Hankinson at jhankinson@mochamber.com or call (573) 634-3511.
