Reynolds Launches Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order Monday establishing the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force, a move intended to position the state as a leader in developing and deploying nuclear technologies. The task force will advise the governor, the General Assembly, and relevant state agencies on advancing nuclear energy infrastructure within Iowa.

Task Force to Explore Federal Partnerships and Emerging technologies

The new task force will focus on aligning Iowa’s energy policies with national regulations and identifying opportunities for investment in a nuclear supply chain.

• The task force will explore opportunities to collaborate with the federal government to support nuclear energy progress in Iowa.
• It will assess emerging nuclear technologies for potential implementation in the state’s energy sector.
• A key focus will be identifying and addressing barriers to entry for nuclear energy businesses in Iowa.
• The group will work to cultivate partnerships and attract investments to build a robust nuclear supply chain.
• A final report with findings and recommendations is due within 180 days of the order’s issuance.

Governor Reynolds appointed Iowa native Mark Nutt, director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to chair the task force. “With our strong foundation in manufacturing and energy innovation, we are uniquely positioned to lead the nation in developing and deploying nuclear technologies,” reynolds said in a news release.

Who’s on the Task Force?

The task force comprises leaders from the energy sector, academia, labor, and the Iowa legislature. Members include:

• May Farlinger: Alliant Energy Iowa, president.
• Mike Fehr: MidAmerican energy,senior vice president of generation and development.
• lane Witten: nextera Energy, vice president of development.
• Brandy Zumbach Meisheid: Linn County Board of Supervisors, chair.
• jim McCalley: Iowa State University, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor and Jack London chair in power systems engineering.
• Sarah Martz: Iowa Utilities Commission, chair.
• Matt Resor: IBEW Local 405,business manager.
• Andy roberts: Iowa State Building & Construction trades, president; Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, business manager.
• Sen. Mike Klemish: Iowa Senate, Majority Leader.
• Rep. David Young: iowa House of representatives,chair of commerce committee.
• Rep. hans Wilz: Iowa House of Representatives, member of commerce committee.
• Sen. Izaah Knox: Iowa Senate, ranking member of commerce committee.
• Rep. Sean Bagniewski: iowa House of Representatives, Minority Whip.

What are the potential benefits of nuclear energy for Iowa? Nuclear energy offers a carbon-free baseload power source, which could help Iowa meet its energy goals and enhance grid reliability.

The executive order mandates that the task force submit its final report, detailing its findings and recommendations, to the governor

Reader question-Could small modular reactors (SMRs) be a viable option for Iowa, given their smaller footprint and potential for increased safety? SMRs are gaining traction nationally as a potentially cost-effective and scalable nuclear technology.