Senate OK Bills to Promote Nuclear Energy in Washington

Uranium (Nuclear Minerals) / Nuclear Power - Economics, Design, & Industry

Date posted: 03/12/15

The Senate has approved a measure to advance nuclear power as part of Washington future energy mix. Senate Bill 5113, which passed on a 27-21 vote Friday, requires the Commerce Department to coordinate and advance the sitting and manufacturing of small-scale reactors. Small nuclear reactors are about one-third the size of traditional nuclear plants, producing less than 300 MW. The Senate also passed a measure, on a 44-5 vote, that would create a nuclear-education program to award grants for science teachers to attend workshops on nuclear energy and to bring in nuclear ambassadors to introduce nuclear science and technology to students in grades 8-12. Both measures now head to the House for consideration.