Bill Tracker

Primary Objective:  Study feasibility of small modular nuclear reactors as carbon-free energy.

Advanced Small Modular Reactors vary in size from tens of megawatts up to hundreds of megawatts, can be used for power generation, process heat, desalination, other industrial uses.

.… relatively small physical footprints, reduced capital investment, ability to be sited in locations not possible for larger nuclear plants, and provisions for incremental power additions.

… the Department of Energy has partnered with NuScale Power and Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems to demonstrate a first-of-a-kind reactor technology at the Idaho National Laboratory.  https://www.energy.gov/ne/advanced-small-modular-reactors-smrs

Bill definition of Small Modular Reactor specifies a rated capacity NMT 300 megawatts electricity; can be operated in combination at a single site.  Must be licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The study will be carried out by the Colorado Energy Office and will include:

• Evaluation of existing state law.
• Economic feasibility of replacing carbon energy sourced (e.g., coal-fired).
• Safety of operation.
• Safety of waste stream.
• Property tax benefits (local).
• Jobs created.
• Reliability and cost comparison (to natural gas; renewable).
• Local government permitting.

CEO does not have any programs in nuclear energy, thus will need to hire outside contractors for technical analyses in the study.  Regulation of nuclear facilities is by US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, an independent agency.  Permitting for any facility is done at the federal level.  Site approval/permitting is at the state & local level.

The League supports energy policies that limit reliance on nuclear fission. 

LWV supports environmentally sound policies that reduce energy
growth rates, emphasize energy conservation, and encourage the use
of renewable sources.

This bill requires that, on and after January 1, 2024 that every home
warranty service contract that provides coverage for the replacement
of any of certain gas-fueled appliances must include the following
terms:

Allowing the homeowner to replace the gas-fueled appliance with a
similar appliance of the homeowner’s choosing that operates on
electricity rather than gas.

Providing descriptions of minimum efficiency and performance
standards for each gas-fueled appliance and for electric replacements.
Allowing the homeowner to receive an equivalent cash value of a gas-
fueled appliance in lieu of a replacement.

The General Assembly of the State of Colorado enacted a Legislative
declaration in support of this bill. There will be a hearing on Feb 8.