NUCLEAR ENERGY FEASIBILITY STUDY H.B. 6019 (H-1):
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 6019 (Substitute H-1 as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Graham Filler
Senate Committee: Energy and Technology
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Public Service Commission (MPSC) law to require the MPSC to engage an outside consulting firm to conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy generation in the State and to deliver a report on the study to the Governor and certain members of the Senate and House within 18 months after the bill's effective date.
Specifically, the feasibility study would have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy generation in the State, including the economic and environmental impact, and the ways to maximize the use of workers who resided in the State and products made in the State in the construction of nuclear energy generation facilities. The study also would have to consider the evaluations, conclusions, and recommendations of the following:
-- Design characteristics.
-- Environmental and ecological impacts.
-- Land and siting criteria.
-- Safety criteria.
-- Engineering and cost-related criteria.
-- Small cell nuclear reactor capability.
-- Socioeconomic assessment and impact analysis factors including workforce education, training, and development, local and State tax bases, supply chains, permanent and temporary job creation, and environmental justice.
In addition, the study would have to consider all the following:
-- The timeline for development, including areas of potential acceleration or efficiencies and leveraging existing nuclear energy generation facilities within the State.
-- Additional efficiencies and other benefits that could be gained by coordinating with other advanced, clean energy technologies, including hydrogen, direct air capture of carbon dioxide, and energy storage.
-- Literature review of studies that have assessed the potential impact of nuclear energy generation in supporting an energy transition.
-- Analysis of national and international studies of cases in which development of nuclear energy was supported and adopted.
-- Assessment and recommendation of current and future policies that could be necessary to support or accelerate the adoption of nuclear energy generation or that could improve its cost-effectiveness.
-- Stakeholder engagement to seek input or feedback, including current or previous nuclear energy generation facility owners in the State.
The bill would require the MPSC to deliver a written report on the study to the Governor, the Senate Majority Leader, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader of the House, and the chairpersons of the Senate and House standing committees with primary responsibility for energy issues and environmental protection issues within 18 months after the bill's effective date.
Proposed MCL 460.10hh Legislative Analyst: Tyler P. VanHuyse
FISCAL IMPACT
This bill could have a minimal negative fiscal impact on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. The cost for the Department would be limited to hiring the consulting firm. The results of the feasibility study could have a positive impact for the State if the consulting firm found that there was potential for nuclear energy in Michigan; however, that impact would depend on the results of the study.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.