I was pleased that my resolution (SCR 18), creating the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force, passed last week with bipartisan support. The vote was 19 to 2.

This task force will examine the potential role of small modular reactors in Delaware’s energy portfolio and explore whether nuclear energy can help stabilize costs and improve reliability for families and businesses.

I thank the 13 Senate Democrats who voted in favor of this resolution and recognize their willingness to put good policy ahead of partisanship. 

Energy policy is too important to be dictated by politics, and last week’s vote shows that there is broad support for having serious discussions about Delaware’s energy future.

As SCR 18 moves to the House of Representatives, the Senate Republicans look forward to continuing this bipartisan effort. 

If House leadership believes a broader approach is necessary, I am open to working together to expand the scope of the task force study while ensuring nuclear energy remains part of the conversation. 

Delawareans deserve practical solutions that prioritize affordable energy solutions.

An inordinate amount of time went into preparing this concurrent resolution from our Republican staff with assistance from Senator Stephanie Hansen. 

I was pleased to have Senator Hansen as a co prime on this resolution.

Hansen has devoted much of her time to help solve the problems associated with making sure Delawareans have an adequate supply of power now and in the future while making sure our environment is protected.

The potential for nuclear power to meet the increasing demand for power is being recognized throughout the nation. Competition among states for wooing the nuclear power industry is intensifying. 

Texas is working to create the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Authority to provide a single point of contact for advanced nuclear reactor developers and associated businesses.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 has these objectives.

(1) Assess the technical and logistical feasibility of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Delaware, including identifying suitable locations, evaluating existing energy infrastructure, and determining necessary upgrades for grid integration. 

(2) Analyze the long-term economic benefits and costs of SMR deployment, comparing nuclear energy pricing to other energy sources, evaluating job creation potential, and assessing local economic impacts. 

(3) Examine how SMRs can enhance Delaware’s energy independence, reduce reliance on electricity imports, stabilize pricing, and provide reliable baseload power compared to renewable energy sources. 

(4) Identify necessary changes to Delaware’s laws and regulations to facilitate SMR development, review federal and state permitting requirements, and explore strategies to include nuclear energy in the energy mix for Delaware, including but not limited to, nuclear energy credits and clean energy standards or requirements. 

(5) Assess the environmental benefits and potential risks of SMR deployment, including its ability to reduce carbon emissions, its environmental footprint compared to other energy sources, and public health concerns related to safety, waste disposal, and emergency preparedness.

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