This week, the House Energy Committee heard testimony on a bipartisan package seeking to encourage nuclear energy generation in Michigan.
Key Points:
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- House Bills 4124 – 4129 were introduced by Representatives Pauline Wendzel (R-Watervliet), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), Jamie Thompson (R-Brownstown), Greg VanWoerkom (R-Norton Shores), and Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph).
- The legislation defines advanced nuclear reactors in state law and clarifies siting requirements.
- It establishes a competitive grant program that awards funds to colleges and universities that establish or expand education programs that lead to degrees or credentials supporting the nuclear industry.
- Establishes a manufacturing tax credit aimed at incentivizing qualified research and development expenses.
- Creates a grant program to assist postsecondary schools in establishing or expanding educational programs leading to a degree or credentials that support the industry.
- Establishes a workforce attraction and retention scholarship program.
- Creates a production tax credit for the first 10 gigawatts of power produced by a small modular reactor.
Next Steps:
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- The bills remain before the House Energy Committee awaiting further consideration.
