HB 3434

This bill establishes a Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program in West Virginia that authorizes the Public Service Commission to approve up to four small modular nuclear reactor sites (defined as reactors with up to 400 megawatts capacity each) in the state, with a goal of having the first reactor operational by the end of 2033. The program limits eligibility to entities that already hold U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses for existing nuclear facilities and prioritizes locations in the state's coalfield regions, at former coal power plant sites, or adjacent to existing nuclear facilities. The bill's primary purpose is to promote carbon-free electricity generation while creating economic development opportunities, with the Public Service Commission directed to liberally grant applications that meet the program's goals and can leverage federal, state, or local financial incentives to reduce costs.