SB 5129

This bill directs Washington state to incorporate planning for advanced nuclear reactor technology into its comprehensive state energy strategy, recognizing it as a carbon-free electricity generation resource that can help meet the state's greenhouse gas reduction goals. The legislation amends existing state energy principles (RCW 43.21F.088) to explicitly include "advanced nuclear reactor technology" as a clean energy source to be developed alongside other renewable resources. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Commerce to seek federal support for addressing the management of spent nuclear fuel, acknowledging this as a longstanding challenge that needs resolution as the state considers expanding nuclear technology development.