Bill > HB2456

This bill amends Arizona law to allow for the construction and operation of small modular reactors (SMRs) under specific conditions, by adding a new provision to county zoning regulations and establishing a framework for defining key terms. Specifically, it permits SMRs to be built and operated if they are co-located with an "extra high load factor customer" (meaning a business with very high electricity demand), provided that the customer has already obtained all necessary zoning approvals. The bill also requires the SMR owner or operator to give public notice and hold at least one public comment session in the county where the SMR is proposed. To implement these changes, the bill mandates that the Arizona Corporation Commission (the state agency that regulates utilities) create rules to define "co-located with" and "extra high load factor customer," specifying criteria such as the distance or electrical connection between the entities and the energy demand thresholds for the customer. This aims to streamline the zoning process for SMRs while ensuring public awareness and defining critical terms for their regulation.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84228