HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — A bill to bolster nuclear energy development in the Commonwealth is bound for Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk.

House Bill 2017 is intended to make the development of smaller, more efficient nuclear reactors more affordable according to its proponents, updating the Radiation Protection Act of 1984 to define small modular reactors and micro reactors.

“Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader,” said Rep. Jose Giral (D-Philadelphia), one of the bill’s sponsors. ” The up-front capital needed to build new traditional reactors is prohibitively expensive and this bill meets the moment by recognizing small modular reactor development as the next important step in nuclear development and updating our current fee structure to make it more affordable for SMR developers to build here.”

“Nuclear energy provides a critical piece of Pennsylvania’s baseload capacity, and SMRs must be a part of the commonwealth’s energy future,” said Rep. Nate Davidson (D-Cumberland/Dauphin), another sponsor. “This important legislation sets the stage for Pennsylvania to be a national leader in SMR construction, opening the door to even closer economic ties with our neighbors to the north.”

The bill would allow small, modular reactors to be factory-built rather than built on-site. This, they said, would allow them to be placed “where large-scale construction is difficult.”

“This bill levels the playing field for nuclear innovation in Pennsylvania. As we look at energy to diversify our grid, this is an opportunity to allow new technology to flourish, resulting in lower energy costs. We’re making it clear that our commonwealth is ready for next-generation energy,” said McAndrew.

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The bill passed both the House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Josh Shapiro’s signature.

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