North DakotaNorth Dakota funds a study of possible nuclear power plants
North Dakota requires a 2025–26 study of where nuclear plants could operate, including community acceptance, and provides one-time funding for consultants.
What it does
North Dakota requires a study of advanced nuclear power plants during 2025–26. It examines suitable sites, community acceptance, and practical issues such as grid connections and waste storage.
One-time funding provides up to $300,000 in state money and up to $300,000 from nonstate grants or donations for consultants. The Legislative Council must seek available private matching funds.
Argument forReviewing grid needs, waste storage, and community acceptance could help lawmakers spot problems before deciding whether to pursue nuclear plants.
Argument againstThe study could spend up to $300,000 in state money on consultants even if nuclear plants prove unsuitable for North Dakota.
More detail
North Dakota's Legislative Management, which oversees lawmakers' work between sessions, must study whether and where advanced nuclear power plants could operate. The review covers possible plant sites and their environmental, community, and economic effects. It also examines power grid needs, waste storage, and small reactors, along with state laws that restrict development. The study must invite a college or university to help assess community interests and acceptance. The 11-member committee includes six lawmakers representing majority and minority groups, two energy industry representatives, and three state agency appointees. The study takes place between legislative sessions during 2025–26. Legislative Management must send findings, recommendations, and any needed legislation to the seventieth Legislative Assembly.
The law sets aside up to $300,000 from the state general fund and up to $300,000 from nonstate grants or donations for study consultants. The Legislative Council receives the money to hire consultants for the advanced nuclear energy study. Only as much money as needed may be spent. The Legislative Council must seek private matching funds where available. Receiving a match is not a stated condition for using state money. The funding covers July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Apr 21Filed with Secretary Of State 04/16Latest
- Apr 18Signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong 04/16Became Law
- Apr 15Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Apr 15Signed by Speaker
- Apr 14Signed by President
- Apr 9Second reading, passed, yeas 77 nays 14Major
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1025. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 9Concurred
- Apr 2Returned to House (12)
- Apr 1Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 44 nays 2Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1025. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 28Reported back, do pass, place on calendar 13 2 1Minor
- Mar 24Committee Hearing 10:00
- Mar 14Rereferred to Appropriations
- Mar 14Amendment adopted
- Mar 13Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 7 0 0Minor
- Mar 6Committee Hearing 10:30
- Feb 13Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources CommitteeMinor
- Feb 12Received from House
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1025. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 11Second reading, passed, yeas 81 nays 8Passed House
- Feb 10Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
- Feb 7Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 16 6 1Minor
- Feb 6Committee Hearing 10:27
- Jan 20Rereferred to Appropriations
- Jan 20Amendment adopted
- Jan 17Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 13 0 0Minor
- Jan 16Committee Hearing 09:00
- Jan 7Introduced, first reading, referred Energy and Natural Resources CommitteeIntroduced
Environment & EnergyTaxes & Budget