Alabama leaders urged to pursue a federal nuclear campus effort

The Legislature urges the Governor and relevant agencies to respond to a federal request about hosting or joining a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus effort. The request concerns Alabama hosting a campus or taking part in a regional effort to modernize the nuclear fuel cycle. The response should describe Alabama’s interest in recycling spent fuel into liquid fuel for advanced reactors, possible use of former nuclear sites, regional cooperation, and a partnership plan. State support mechanisms are only to be considered if the federal government selects Alabama and provides appropriations. The text urges a response by April 1, 2026, or preparation for future opportunities if a later response is more strategic.

The Legislature supports using Alabama’s existing spent nuclear fuel as a future energy resource. The statement concerns spent nuclear fuel already stored at Alabama’s Browns Ferry and Farley nuclear plants. This expresses support for future use; it does not require fuel recycling or guarantee that a project will proceed. The text describes this as a future energy resource and gives no start date.

The Legislature recognizes Alabama A&M University’s efforts to advance a Center for Nuclear Science and Engineering. The recognition concerns efforts at Alabama A&M University. The text describes the center’s intended focus on liquid fuel reactor technology and says it would complement the university’s work on technology for artificial intelligence and data centers.