HB 2598

This bill, titled the "Missouri Nuclear Energy Advancement Act," removes any prohibition on building nuclear power facilities in Missouri and establishes a new Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Office within the Department of Natural Resources to promote nuclear energy development. The office, led by a governor-appointed director with an annual budget cap of $750,000, will administer a Missouri Advanced Nuclear Development Fund to provide reimbursement grants for expenses related to constructing "eligible nuclear projects," which are defined as natural gas electric generation facilities combined with advanced nuclear reactors (including small modular reactors and microreactors). The grants can cover various pre-construction and construction costs such as site planning, engineering design, environmental assessments, licensing fees, and construction activities, with the office responsible for establishing application procedures, monitoring grant recipients, and ensuring accountability through specific project goals and potential repayment terms if goals aren't met.