Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed an executive order Jan. 5 to establish a state nuclear energy task force.
The Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force will advise Reynolds, the state government and relevant agencies on the development of nuclear energy technologies in the state, according to the press release.
The task force will also explore opportunities to work with the federal government to support nuclear energy projects and policies in Iowa, assess emerging power technologies and engage with manufacturers and stakeholders to iron out supply chain issues, according to the release.
The task force is being formed as NextEra Energy is considering plans to restart the Duane Arnold Energy Center, Iowa’s sole nuclear power plant, which shut down in 2020.
Reynolds selected Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Director of Nuclear Energy Programs Mark Nutt to lead the task force. The group is composed of other state officials, lawmakers, organized labor and industry members, including NextEra’s vice president of development Lane Witten,
The task force will submit a report with its findings and recommendations to Reynolds within 180 days, according to the order.
“Nuclear energy is a vital part of Iowa’s energy future, and I am committed to advancing reliable, sustainable energy solutions that strengthen our energy independence and fuel economic growth,” Reynolds said in the release. The creation of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force marks a strategic step forward, ensuring the safe, efficient, and responsible integration of nuclear energy into our energy portfolio.”