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.
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