Senate approves bill and concurrent resolution to pursue nuclear reprocessing framework

Senators approved both a bill and a concurrent resolution advancing the Legislature's interest in expanded nuclear activity in Utah.

Senator Owens presented first substitute SB135, describing federal interest and a Department of Energy request for information on regional hubs for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. "This bill sets up a framework so that Utah could be considered of having one of those regional hubs," Owens said, noting potential production of medical isotopes and energy benefits but emphasizing that federal regulators (the Nuclear Regulatory Commission) would retain authority.

The Senate read SB135 for a third time and approved it on a roll call (22 yeas, 1 nay, 6 absent). Owens also sponsored concurrent resolution SCR1 to express Utah's readiness to work with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to develop technical, legal and administrative frameworks to support additional eligible portions of the nuclear fuel cycle. SCR1 passed on third reading (25 yeas, 1 nay, 3 absent).

Supporters framed the measures as exploratory and contingent on federal authorization; opponents did not prevail in recorded votes on the floor. Both items now move forward for any required intergovernmental or implementation steps.