Bill > SB1001

This bill, titled the "West Virginia Nuclear Lifecycle and Advanced Fuel Cycle Development Act," establishes a framework for various nuclear fuel cycle activities within the state, including uranium conversion and enrichment, the production of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), fuel fabrication, recycling or reprocessing of nuclear materials, and the storage, packaging, and transportation of these materials, all of which are defined as "advanced fuel cycle activities." The legislation acknowledges that West Virginia is well-positioned to host these operations due to its industrial base, workforce, geology, and energy infrastructure, and it aims to support the development of a "Campus," a designated site for multiple components of the nuclear fuel lifecycle. Crucially, all authorized activities must be licensed and conducted in accordance with federal law, with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) retaining primary regulatory authority, and no state agency or local government can prohibit federally authorized activities. The bill also authorizes state agencies to participate in federal programs, potentially receiving federal funds and providing state matching funds, tax incentives, or infrastructure support to facilitate the development of a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. It permits the interim storage of spent nuclear fuel, which is defined as irradiated fuel assemblies removed from a nuclear reactor, at federally licensed facilities, and establishes a "Nuclear Lifecycle Development Fund" to support site preparation, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and other related initiatives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=1001&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill