LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – A group of legislators in the Nuclear Caucus are working together on bipartisan legislation that would increase clean and reliable nuclear energy in Michigan.

Investing in nuclear research and job training.

Members of the Nuclear Caucus, including Representative Graham Filler (R-Clinton County), Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Representative Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Representative Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), and Representative Pauline Wendzel (R-Bainbridge Township) recently unveiled a plan to invest more in the field of nuclear research and development and job training.

What’s the purpose of the plan?

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According to the group, the plan would:

  • Pave the way for advanced nuclear reactors: Removes barriers for the next generation of nuclear power reactors by defining “advanced nuclear reactor,” also known as small modular reactors (SMRs), in state law and clarifying siting requirements.
  • Establish a nuclear and hydrogen education grant: Establishes a competitive grant program that would award funds to colleges and universities throughout Michigan that establish or expand educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.
  • Encourage innovation in the nuclear energy field: House Bill 4753 (Wendzel) establishes a manufacturing tax credit aimed at incentivizing and supporting qualified research and development expenses that are related to the design, development, or improvement of advanced nuclear reactors.
  • Establish the fund for educational grants program: Initiates the creation of a fund to support the program that awards grants to select postsecondary schools in Michigan. These grants will assist in establishing or expanding educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.
  • Establish a workforce attraction and retention scholarship program: Proposes a scholarship initiative providing direct grants or tax credits, or both, to graduates — both in-state and out-of-state — who commit to employment at a new or existing electricity generating facility in Michigan powered by nuclear or hydrogen energy for at least three years after obtaining their degree or credential.

Rep. Andrews shared that the bipartisan work showed the state’s commitment to clean energy leadership.

“House Bills 4753 and 5906-5909 reflect our dedication to fostering innovation and securing a skilled workforce for our state’s nuclear energy sector,” he said in a statement. “Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all Michiganders.”

Focus on Palisades among the top priorities for Federal and State Leaders.

While the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in southwest Michigan was taken offline in 2022, it was recently decided to reopen the plant in 2025.

“Michigan is on the verge of a historic achievement as we successfully revive a dormant nuclear power plant,” Wendzel said. “Our plan will take us a step further, positioning Michigan as a national leader in the development of the next generation of nuclear technology.”

On March 27, President Biden’s Administration announced it would provide a roughly $1.5 billion loan to help with restarting the nuclear plant.

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“Once open, Palisades will be the first successfully restarted nuclear power plant in American history, driving $363 million of regional economic impact and helping Michigan lead the future of clean energy,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement.

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) expressed his support for the Palisades decision.

“Palisades coming back online is a big win for southwest Michigan as it means more jobs and more reliable, affordable power for the people of this state,” Sen. Nesbitt said in a statement. “With the dark shadow of Gov. Whitmer’s California-style Green New Deal signaling higher costs and a less reliable energy grid for our state’s future, Michigan families need dependable power sources like Palisades to help alleviate energy prices and provide electricity when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.”