Supports new nuclear energy, rural economic development, and growing energy demand
Contributed Article/Courtesy Arizona House of Representatives
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Water has passed House Majority Leader Michael Carbone’s legislation to accelerate the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) that are co-located with large industrial energy users like data centers or used to replace or expand generation at existing baseload powerplants. Offered as a strike-everything amendment to HB2774, the bill removes bureaucratic hurdles from SMR deployment to meet growing energy needs, streamlining the permitting process for utilities and large technology companies with clean, reliable energy.
Small modular reactors (SMRs) used for data centers are considered nuclear reactors. They generate electricity through nuclear fission, just like traditional nuclear power plants, but on a smaller scale and with a more modular design, making them suitable for deployment near data centers.
“This bill is a win-win for Arizona’s energy future and rural communities,” said Majority Leader Carbone. “We need a bold approach to ensure energy production keeps pace with demand, maintains grid reliability, and supports job growth—especially in rural areas. Small modular reactors are a game-changer. They offer the ability to repurpose existing facilities, attract new industry, and provide clean, reliable, and affordable power to rapidly expanding industries that are critical to national defense, like data centers.”
Key Provisions of HB2774:
- It eliminates the requirement for utilities to obtain a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility (CEC) when converting an existing thermal unit to an SMR or constructing a new SMR at an existing thermal plant.
- For Large Industrial Energy Users: In counties with a population of 500,000 or less, a new SMR co-located with a large energy user will be exempt from the CEC process and county zoning restrictions.
By cutting through unnecessary red tape, the legislation makes Arizona a leader in next-generation nuclear energy, encouraging private-sector investment and economic development in regions that need it most. The plan directly aligns with the 2025 House Majority Plan to unleash Arizona’s economic potential, drive energy innovation, and create opportunities for communities impacted by plant closures.
“With rising energy demand and national security concerns, we cannot afford to sit back and wait. This bill puts Arizona in the driver’s seat of the next great era of American energy innovation,” Majority Leader Carbone added. “Rural Arizona will benefit from high-paying jobs, increased capital investment, and a more stable tax base—all while keeping our energy supply reliable and affordable.”
HB2774 now moves to the full Arizona House of Representatives for further consideration.
Michael Carbone is a Republican Arizona House of Representatives member serving Legislative District 25, which includes portions of Yuma, Maricopa, and La Paz Counties. He also serves as House Majority Leader. Follow him on X at @MichaelCarbone.
