The Arizona House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee approved a bill that would prevent counties from interfering with small nuclear reactors that follow federal guidelines.
Small modular reactors have been getting a closer look as data centers are pushing utilities to expand their energy output.
House Bill 2795 doesn’t specifically mention data centers, but its sponsor — Republican Rep. Michael Carbone — pushed a measure last year that would have cut red tape for the tech facilities to build small modular reactors on their property.
It was vetoed by Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat.
Now Carbone has sponsored a bill that is looking to cut counties out of the zoning equation in deciding where reactors can be placed.
He addressed the committee Tuesday.
“What it must do, receive a federal early site permit. Complete public notice and comment. Obtain federal design certification. This respects federal nuclear oversight while giving communities a voice through that process," Carbone said.
Opponents say it's critical to keep counties in the loop, as they have closer ties to their communities. Others say the technology is not proven, as there are no small nuclear reactors currently in commercial operation.
Sandy Bahr is director of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club and testified against the bill at the same committee hearing.
"While billions are being invested to prop up this technology, we have an opportunity to invest in clean energy that we know works right now," Bahr said.
-
Researchers say remote geography, inaccurate federal maps, and funding barriers continue to limit reliable high-speed internet in many tribal communities. -
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs wants ongoing funding for energy assistance programs, but she needs support from Republican lawmakers to make it happen. -
Arizona added nearly 2-gigwatts of solar power, bringing the total amount statewide to about 11.5 gigawatts. To put that in perspective, APS’ peak demand last year was more than 8 and a half gigawatts. -
The Trump administration has called on big tech companies to keep energy costs down amid the data center boom. But critics say the Trump administration's request does little to hold big tech companies accountable. -
During a tour of an Xcel natural gas plant, the secretary criticized the state’s climate plan and said that keeping coal plants open was saving lives.
