Committee approves out‑of‑state trip to Idaho National Laboratory for advanced nuclear study

The Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee voted to request permission from the Chairman of Legislative Management to hold a committee meeting at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls and to seek approval of funding for that out‑of‑state meeting. Representative Anderson moved the request and Representative Koppelman seconded; the motion carried on a roll call with all present voting in favor.

The motion, presented to the committee as necessary because the legislation that established the study committee did not include funds for out‑of‑state travel, asks Legislative Management to permit the committee to travel to Idaho Falls for presentations and tours related to the committee’s study of advanced nuclear energy. Chairman Patton explained the trip would likely take a day and a half and that approval is required to proceed with scheduling and budgeting.

Committee staff Megan Gordon introduced the motion and coordinated the roll call. Committee members who voiced affirmative votes during the roll call included Chairman Patton, senators and representatives in attendance and the citizen members present; the chair declared the motion carried.

Next steps: the committee will await a determination from Legislative Management on travel authorization and funding. If approved, staff said they would finalize dates and logistics for the Idaho National Laboratory visit.