Brief Description: Requesting a next generation nuclear plant project be established on the Hanford reservation.

Sponsors: Representatives Haler, Takko, Newhouse, Nixon, Moeller, Anderson, Condotta, Sump, Grant, B. Sullivan and Woods.

Hearing Date: 1/12/06

Staff: Scott Richards (786-7156).

Background:

According to United States Department of Energy, there are 441 nuclear power reactors in operation in 31 countries around the world. They account for approximately 17 percent of worldwide electricity generation and provide half or more of the electricity in a number of industrialized countries. Another 32 nuclear reactors are presently under construction overseas.

Next Generation Nuclear Power Plant Project
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 calls for the Secretary of the Department of Energy to establish a Next Generation Nuclear Project. The next generation, or generation IV nuclear plants, will involve technologies that will provide economic, safety, reliability and sustainability improvements over current nuclear reactors.

The Next Generation Nuclear Project shall consist of the research, development, design, construction, and operation of a prototype plant, including a nuclear reactor that is based on research and development activities supported by the Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems Initiative; and shall be used (a) to generate electricity; (b) to produce hydrogen; or (c) both to generate electricity and to produce hydrogen.

The Idaho National Laboratory has been designated the lead national laboratory for the Next Generation Nuclear Project to be established by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Summary of Bill:

The United States Department of Energy's Hanford reservation and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory would also be appropriate locations for work on the Next Generation Nuclear Project.

The Legislature requests that Congress and the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy establish a Next Generation Nuclear Plant Project on the United States Department of Energy's Hanford reservation.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.