HR 249

This bill creates a task force to study and recommend policies that would promote the development and construction of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Louisiana, primarily to meet the growing energy demands of data centers. The task force, composed of representatives from state economic development, workforce, energy, and environmental agencies along with engineering deans from Louisiana universities, will examine regulatory barriers, potential financial incentives like tax credits, and workforce development programs needed to support SMR deployment. The task force will research opportunities and challenges for implementing these smaller, more cost-effective nuclear reactors that can generate up to 300 megawatts of power and be installed directly at data center sites, reducing strain on the existing power grid.