SB 997

This bill would exempt small modular reactor (SMR) energy facilities—defined as nuclear power plants using factory-built reactors with capacities of 300 megawatts or less—from Oregon's existing requirement that a licensed repository for high-level radioactive waste disposal must be available before any nuclear power plant can be sited in the state. By removing this prerequisite specifically for SMR facilities while maintaining it for traditional nuclear plants, the bill would make it easier to develop and operate these smaller-scale nuclear energy projects in Oregon. The legislation will be placed on the ballot at the next general election, allowing Oregon voters to directly decide whether to approve this change to the state's nuclear energy regulations.