Texas House Approves Bill to Jump-Start Nuclear Power Industry

AUSTIN – The Texas House approved a bill that would create a nuclear power incentive program designed to jump-start a long-dormant energy industry.

Its passage is a step forward in an energy arms race against China and Russia, the bill’s author said. The proposal would create a grant program for the development of a nuclear industry in Texas that could cost taxpayers as much as $2.75 billion if voters approve a related amendment to the Texas Constitution.

“Investment in nuclear technology has now become a strategic and moral imperative for our country,” Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, said. “The global race for energy dominance is not just an economic competition. It is a geopolitical contest with immense national security implications.”

The proposal was approved with bipartisan support on a voice vote.

What the Bill Entails

House Bill 14 would create a Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office overseen by the governor. The office would manage the state’s grant program and assist nuclear development organizations in navigating the federal permitting process.

The House budgeted $750 million for the program. Harris has a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution that could increase its budget by $2 billion. Lawmakers haven’t voted on the amendment.

Eligible projects could receive grants of up to $200 million for those that produce electricity. Businesses and universities researching and developing nuclear technology would be eligible for $12.5 million grants.

Support and Opposition

Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian, opposed the bill. He said he supports the nuclear industry, but creating a new state office and an incentive program was not the way forward.

“It creates more government. It creates more bureaucracy,” Harrison said. “It adds more bureaucrats and, guys, this is pure crony corporatism and corporate welfare.”

The bill requires passage from the Senate before it can become law. A Senate companion to the bill has yet to advance in that chamber.

Industry Development

Industry insiders say such government intervention is necessary to kick-start a nuclear industry that has seen little development in recent years.

Opponents caution that doing so can be costly and point to the last large nuclear project constructed in the United States — a pair of reactors in Georgia that were plagued by years of delays and billions in cost overruns.

Supporters say smaller reactors are the future of the technology. Among such efforts already being pursued in Texas is a nuclear project near the coast that Dow Chemical commissioned.

Higher Education Institutions

The state’s higher education institutions are getting involved as well.

The Texas A&M University System is creating a testing ground for new nuclear technology on a campus in Bryan. System officials are evaluating proposals and are seeking federal approval to house reactors on the site.

At Abilene Christian University, scientists received federal approval to construct an on-campus research reactor. Scientists hope to prove the viability of their small modular reactor design, which they have said could be broadly deployed across the nation.

Benefits and Concerns

Nuclear energy provides a clean alternative to the fossil fuel power plants that make up most of the energy production facilities that operate 24 hours a day. It emits no greenhouse gases, which has led many climate change activists to support the industry.

However, many worry about the radioactive waste it creates.

During debate, Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas, asked what the state would do with nuclear waste if Texas has a surge in nuclear generation.

Waste would initially be kept on site. Where it ends up would be left to federal regulators, Harris said.

Conclusion

The Texas House approval of the bill is a significant step towards jump-starting the nuclear power industry in the state. While there are concerns about the cost and radioactive waste, supporters believe that the benefits of nuclear energy, including its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make it a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the bill?

A: The bill aims to create a nuclear power incentive program to jump-start a long-dormant energy industry in Texas.

Q: How much will the program cost?

A: The program could cost taxpayers as much as $2.75 billion if voters approve a related amendment to the Texas Constitution.

Q: What are the benefits of nuclear energy?

A: Nuclear energy provides a clean alternative to fossil fuel power plants, emitting no greenhouse gases, and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: What are the concerns about nuclear energy?

A: Concerns include the cost of the program, the creation of radioactive waste, and the potential for delays and cost overruns.