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ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session |
Senate: NR DP 4-3-1-0 | Third Read ON RECON 16-14-0-0House: NREW DP 6-3-0-1 |
SB 1418: corporation commission; small modular reactors
Sponsor: Senator Carroll, LD 28
Caucus & COW
Overview
Allows the construction and operation of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) without being precluded from county zoning or obtaining a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC), if certain conditions are met. Expands the definition of plant, including, but not limited to, an increase in nameplate rating of generating units.
History
SMRs are nuclear fission reactors that produce electrical energy output and are smaller in both size and output from more traditional, larger nuclear reactors. SMRs vary in footprint, technology, capabilities, deployment scenarios and output. These reactors differ in size from tens of megawatts up to hundreds of megawatts and can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination or other industrial uses. SMR designs may employ light water as a coolant or non-light water coolants such as a gas, liquid metal or molten salt (DOE).
The Arizona Corporation Commission (Commission)'s Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee (Committee) was created to provide a single forum for the resolution of all matters concerning the location of electric generating plants and transmission lines in open processes for all interested and affected parties to participate in relevant decisions (Laws 1971, Chapter 67, section 1). The Committee has jurisdiction over proposed thermal electric, nuclear or hydroelectric generating plants and above ground transmission lines that meet certain criteria. When a utility plans to build one of these facilities it must apply for a CEC and after review of designated criteria, public hearings and a vote by the Committee the utility may be granted the CEC for their proposed facility (A.R.S. Title 40, Chapter 2, article 6.2).
Provisions
County Regulation of Land
1. Prohibits a county from preventing, restricting or otherwise regulating the use or occupation of land for the construction and operation of a SMR, if the SMR is colocated with a large industrial energy user that is properly zoned and permitted. (Sec. 1)
2. Exempts counties with 500,000 or more persons from this prohibition. (Sec. 1)
Nameplate Rating and Plant Definition Expansion
3. Expands the definition of plant as it relates to the Committee to include nonthermal electric generating units and small modular nuclear reactors. (Sec. 2)
4. Increases the nameplate rating, from 100 MW to 200 MW, that an electric generating unit must meet to be defined as a plant, as it relates to the Committee. (Sec. 2)
Replacement Units
5. Allows a utility to replace an existing thermal electric generating plant with a SMR without seeking a new CEC or holding a relevant hearing, after providing 30 days' written notice to the Commission if:
a. the SMR is colocated with a large industrial energy user; or
b. the new or replacement SMR is located on or adjacent to the site of a plant that:
i. previously received a CEC; or
ii. was in use or authorized before August 13,1971. (Sec. 3, 5)
6. Requires a SMR, colocated with a large industrial energy user that does not obtain a CEC in compliance with this legislation, to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and requirements. (Sec. 5)
7. Mandates the Commission to adopt rules to implement this legislation, and for the rules to include definitions of listed terms. (Sec. 5)
8. Allows the Commission to adopt definitions for any other terms to carry out this legislation. (Sec. 5)
9. Clarifies that this section applies only in a county with a population of less than 500,000 persons. (Sec. 5)
Miscellaneous
10. Defines relevant terms. (Sec. 1)
11. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1, 2, 3, 4)
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15. Initials CW SB 1418
16. 3/10/2026 Page 0 Caucus & COW
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