State Rep. Graham Filler today testified before the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee in support of a bipartisan plan he is working on to encourage safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy generation in the state.

Filler, R-Duplain Township, said the plan would spur the development of modern nuclear energy technology in Michigan.

“Michigan is a top-10 state for nuclear energy,” Filler said. “We have three very large nuclear reactors – two that are working right now – and they’ve been providing energy to the state for about 60 years, without major incident. At the peak, when all three were running, about a quarter of the energy generated in Michigan was from these nuclear plants.

“But the nuclear energy field is changing. It’s not just nuclear energy generation anymore. It’s job creation, manufacturing, small modular reactors, education, job training programs, and so much more.”

That’s why Filler is working alongside Reps. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph), Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park), Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills), and Pauline Wendzel (R-Bainbridge Township) to make Michigan more attractive to the modern nuclear industry.

Their comprehensive plan would:

• Pave the way for advanced nuclear reactors: House Bills 5606 removes barriers for the next generation of nuclear power reactors by defining “advanced nuclear reactor,” also known as small modular reactors (SMRs), in state law and clarifying siting requirements.
• Establish a nuclear and hydrogen education grant: House Bill 5608 establishes a competitive grant program that would award funds to colleges and universities throughout Michigan that establish or expand educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.
• Encourage innovation in the nuclear energy field: House Bill 4753 establishes a manufacturing tax credit aimed at incentivizing and supporting qualified research and development expenses that are related to the design, development, or improvement of advanced nuclear reactors.
• Establish a fund for the educational grants program: House Bill 5609 initiates the creation of a fund to support the program that awards grants to select postsecondary schools in Michigan. These grants will assist in establishing or expanding educational programs that lead to a degree or credential supportive of the nuclear industry, the hydrogen industry, or both.
• Establish a workforce attraction and retention scholarship program: House Bill 5607 proposes a scholarship initiative providing direct grants or tax credits, or both, to graduates — both in-state and out-of-state — who commit to employment at a new or existing electricity generating facility in Michigan powered by nuclear or hydrogen energy for at least three years after obtaining their degree or credential.

“This plan positions Michigan as a national leader in the future of nuclear energy,” Filler said. “By embracing cutting-edge technology, fostering innovation, and investing in education and workforce development, we’re sending a clear message: Michigan is open for business when it comes to safe, reliable, and clean energy.”

The plan remains under consideration by the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee.

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