H 287

This bill establishes the Vermont Small Nuclear Consortium, which must be convened by the Secretary of Administration by August 1, 2025, to conduct a feasibility study on reintroducing nuclear power generation in Vermont, specifically focusing on small modular reactors. The Consortium, composed of legislators, utility representatives, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders, is tasked with identifying obstacles in state and federal law that prevent nuclear reactor construction, examining why Vermont's previous nuclear facility closed, and exploring available financial resources for new nuclear development. The group must submit a report with findings and recommendations for legislative action by August 1, 2026, with $23,000 appropriated from the General Fund to support the Consortium's work and hire consultants.