Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee — Florida House of Representatives (November 4, 2025)
Summary
Meeting packet for the Florida House of Representatives Commerce Committee Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee, Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The agenda lists a panel discussion on the Development and Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Technologies. The packet includes a Florida Public Service Commission presentation by Cayce Hinton on its Advanced Nuclear Power Feasibility Report, which refers to House Bill 1645 and ends with recommendations. It also includes a Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group presentation by Jacob Williams and Sara Dussich on next generation nuclear, covering 2025 executive orders, federal funding opportunities, Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing and actions by other states.
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“Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee — Florida House of Representatives (November 4, 2025).”
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Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Reed Hall (102 HOB)
Daniel Perez Chip LaMarca
Speaker Chair
The Florida House of Representatives
Commerce Committee
Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
Daniel Perez Chip LaMarca
Speaker Chair
Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Reed Hall (102 HOB)
I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call
III. Welcome and Opening Remarks
IV. Panel discussion on the Development and Deployment of Advanced Nuclear
Technologies
V. Closing Remarks
VI. Adjournment
214 House Office Building, 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Fl 32399-1300
(850) 717-4870
Public Service Commission
Advanced Nuclear Power Feasibility Report
Presentation to the
Florida House of Representatives
Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
Cayce Hinton
Florida Public Service Commission
November 4, 2025
House Bill 1645
• Study and evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of using
advanced nuclear power technologies, including small modular
reactors, to meet the electrical power needs of the state
• Research means to encourage and foster the installation and use of
such technologies at military installations in partnership with public
utilities
• Consult with FDEP and FDEM
• Submit report by April 2025, containing findings and
recommendations
2
Methodology
• Workshop
• Post-workshop comments
• Research
3
Workshop
• DOE Gateway to Accelerated Innovation
in Nuclear (GAIN), Idaho National
Laboratory
• Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)
• Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group
4
Report Overview
• Chapter 2: Background of Nuclear in Florida
• Chapter 3: Economic and Technical Feasibility
• Chapter 4: Federal and State Actions
• Chapter 5: Military Applications
• Chapter 6: Findings and Recommendations
5
Generation by Fuel Type
■ 20 1 5 (Actua l) ■ 2024 (Actua l) ■ 2034 (Projected)
80%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------,i'. 1%--------------------------------------------------------------------------
60%
56. 1%
"C --------------------------------------------------------------------
"'0 •------•----------------------------------------------------------------
.
.-l
.s •------•----------------------------------------------------------------
~ •------•----------------------------------------------------------------
~
= 40%
-z
~
.,
•------•----------------------------------------------------------------
=
.,u
.., •------•-----------------------
~ 23.2%
•------•-----------------------+-------•---------------------------------
20%
------ 4 .9 % --- 4.2% ____ 3.8% ----
0%
Nuclear Renewables Interchange & All Other
6
Advanced Nuclear Technology
• Passive safety features, Walk-away
• Versatility
• Reduced spent fuel disposal, Re-use
• Factory manufacturing
7
Advanced Nuclear Technology
Size Operating (MW - Thermal) Output (MW - Electric)
Micro <=50 <= 50
Small (SMR) 150<=900 50<=300
Medium 100<=1800 300<=600
Large >1800 >600
8
Large: Westinghouse AP1000
Pass Ive Containment
Coollng Water Tank
Electricity
9
SMR: NuScale VOYGR Power Plant
10
Microreactor
11
Feasibility
• Technical Feasibility?
– Yes, technically feasible, but as of yet
unproven
• Economic Feasibility?
– First-of-a-Kind to Nth-of-a-Kind
– FOAK to NOAK
12
Military Applications
• DOD Strategic Capabilities Office – Project Pele
• Defense Innovation Unit (Army)
• Eielson AFB, Alaska
• Hill AFB, Utah
• Joint Base San Antonio, Texas
• Department of Navy
13
Recommendations
• Commission a more comprehensive study
• Ensure recovery for preliminary costs
• Enhance stakeholder engagement and
education
• Grant funding and workforce development
• Flexibility to approve rate schedules specifically
for entities (e.g., data centers) that pursue SMRs
to serve their demand
14
Update
• Executive Orders
• NRC
• DOE
15
Questions?
16
Florida Electric Power Coordinating Group
F LORIDA ELECTRIC POWER
C OORDINATING
G ROUP
Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee
Panel Discussion Next Generation Nuclear
Tallahassee, Florida
November 4, 2025
Presenters: Jacob Williams, Past FCG Chair & Current Board Member
Sara Dussich, Chair, FCG Next Generation Nuclear Work Group
FCG BACKGROUND
For 52 years, FCG has operated as the umbrella organization in
Florida representing investor-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, and
municipal electric utilities on environmental, transportation, & mutual aid
assistance issues affecting the utility industry.
FCG Members FCG Associate Members
City of Lake Worth Utilities Homestead Energy Services
City of Lakeland (Lakeland Electric) Kissimmee Utility Authority
City of Tallahassee Florida Public Utilities
Duke Energy-Florida PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
Florida Municipal Power Agency Central Florida Electric
Florida Power & Light Company Escambia River Electric
Gainesville Regional Utilities Glades River Cooperative
Homestead Energy Services Okefenoke Rural Electric
JEA Peace River Electric
Ocala Electric Utility Withlacoochee Electric
OUC
Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Sumter Electric Cooperative
Tampa Electric Company
FLORIDA GENERATION MIX
Florida Dependent on Natural gas 77%, While Keeping Costs Low;
Nuclear Could Provide Florida Strategic Supply Diversification
FL Generation Mix (%) Residential Rate
100%
Renewable (Cents/kWh)
Other Solar
$27.00
80% $16.48
$14.15
$11.44 $11.54
60% $9.00
Natural
Gas
40%
$3.00
Coal
20%
0%
Nuclear
$1.00
2010 2024 FL US FL US
2010 2024
INCREASING U.S. NUCLEAR EFFORTS
Recent Increase in U.S. Power Demand leading to Increased U.S.
Nuclear Efforts
Technology and large-scale manufacturing are driving increase in
power consumption nationally
Population growth drives Florida power consumption growth
Restarting 3 retired nuclear plants nationally underway
Three Mile Island – PA
Duane Arnold – IA
Palisades – MI
Numerous potential new nuclear plants by utilities & big tech
including
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
Energy Northwest in Washington at existing nuclear site
Kewaunee in Wisconsin – SMR at retired nuclear site
Duke Energy in North Carolina – adjacent to former coal site
NUCLEAR STRATEGIC SUPPLY DIVERSITY
Next Generation Nuclear as Strategic Supply Diversification
for Florida
In 2024, FCG formed a Next Generation Nuclear Working Group
(NGNW) to discuss potential state, legal, and regulatory changes
needed to move advanced nuclear projects forward
FL Legislature mandated FPSC to conduct Energy Study. The NGNW
participated in FPSC’s workshop for study development and
supported the Study's findings (May 2025)
New nuclear 8 – 12 years from coming on-line
Numerous new small modular reactor (SMR) technologies
Standard AP1000 and SMR's being considered on national level
Significant pre-development costs to permit site/technology
Numerous Federal and other State incentives for nuclear being
considered and/or implemented
2025 NUCLEAR EXECUTIVE ORDERS
Nuclear Gains Additional Federal Support via Executive Orders
Through Funding & Regulatory Changes to Speed up Permitting
EO 1: Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
• Increase deployment of new nuclear reactors to expand nuclear capacity from 100 GW
to 400 GW by 2050, extend use of current plants and reactivate closed/partially closed
plants
• Directs NRC reorganization promoting faster licensing & revise NRC’s NEPA compliance
EO 2: Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base
Prioritizes uprates of 5 GW to existing nuclear plants, have 10 new scale nuclear
reactors under construction by 2030, & review potential funding for new nuclear plants
Directs expanding the nuclear energy workforce.
EO 3: Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security
Advance nuclear reactors like Generation III+, SMRs, microreactors, and stationary &
mobile reactors, at speed necessary to support national security needs for military,
national security, and national lab uses
Sets deadline of Sept 30, 2028 for a domestic military installation.
EO 4: Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Dept of Energy
Significantly expedite review, approval, and deployment of advance reactors. Requires
expedited procedures to enable qualified test reactors to safely operate at DOE facilities
within 2 years.
FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Federal Government Provides Support for Nuclear through Tax Credits,
Grants and Loans
Federal Tax Credits DOE Grants DOE Loans
IRS Incentives(1) Gen III + SMR Pathway to DOE Loan Program Office (LPO)
IRC Sec: Deployment Program(2) can provide loan to support
30% ITC (48E) is a technology-neutral $800 MM for up to two projects Advanced Nuclear projects
ITC for the COD year of the facility focused on first mover support LPO originally allocated $250 B for
$30.0/MWh(1) PTC (45Y) is a technology- $100 MM used for fast follower Energy Dominance financing
neutral, emissions-based PTC for
facilities placed in service after 2025 support spread out across multiple ~$60 B remaining
awards
$15/MWh PTC (45U) for electricity Funds must be committed by
generated and sold by existing September 2028 and used by
nuclear facilities from 2024 through Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) September 2033
2032; credit offset when gross Enrichment Acquisition Program
receipts exceed $26/MWh (2025 Up to $3.4 B focused on securing a
rate) and worthless when gross LPO has recently provided support
receipts ~$45/MWh non-Russian supply chain to two nuclear projects
$2.7 B has already been $12 B in loan guarantees for Vogtle
$18/MWh advanced nuclear tax appropriated to DOE who will then
credit under Section 45J for new sell the LEU to operating U.S. $1.5 B loan guarantee for Palisades
nuclear generation facilities with pre- restoration
1994 reactor design; taxpayer must facilities
be allocated portion of national
capacity limitation
45X manufacturer credit may be of
interest to certain equipment and
component manufacturers
1) Many of the tax credit programs cannot be stacked
2) Program is focused on project teams made up of developers, suppliers, customers, etc.
NRC BACKGROUND AND STRATEGIES
NRC Current Licensing Processes Based on Legacy Nuclear
Technology, Namely Large-scale Light Water Reactors
NRC licensing experience for commercial reactors is based on large-scale light
water reactors (LWRs)
Light water reactors require large security and emergency planning areas; licensing
processes are lengthy due to extended NRC reviews (environmental reviews typically
take three years)
Current licensing processes require each proposed reactor to be treated as a unique
license since there are no standard reactor designs
NuScale, a LWR, is the only standard design approved by the NRC
Design approval means the NRC will not revisit the technical plant design aspects but
will review site specific details
NRC has also proposed alternative security, physical and emergency
preparedness requirements for SMRs
Updated requirements specific to SMRs would facilitate development of new
advanced reactor projects
PERMITTING PROCESS OVERVIEW
Recent Interest in SMR Technology Spurred Industry’s Push for
Accelerated Permitting Processes
Two current NRC licensing pathways:
1) Part 50 is a two-step process with a construction permit followed by an operating license
2) Part 52 is a combined construction and licensing process that references an approved
reactor design
These are traditional, prescriptive and lengthy licensing processes
Third proposed NRC licensing pathway for SMRs:
3) Part 53 is a proposed risk-informed licensing process specifically designed for advanced
reactor design(1)
Intended to be more streamlined and efficient than the Standard Review Plan and can be
completed within two years
Part 53 pathway rulemaking in progress, including on-going feedback; NRC needs to provide
additional clarity on site specific requirements (e.g., security) and sequence of licensing steps
There is some risk that limited NRC resources could adversely impact permitting
timelines for select later applicants
NRC’s forecast final rule on Part 53 originally expected by end of 2025, now extended to
May 2026.
1) Source: https://www.nrc.gov/reactors/new-reactors/advanced/rulemaking-and-guidance/part-53.html
SMR STATE LEGISLATION AND POLICY
More States Embracing Pro-SMR Policies Paving Way for Broad Adoption
MT ND
MN
SD
WY
NE OH
IL IN
co
KS
()I(
NM
HI
States that have adopted States with nuclear restrictions
pro-SMR policies or incentives D or anti-SMR policies
States that have not taken any
States that have taken incremental steps / noteworthy action
are in a pro-SMR policy traj ectory
FPSC’S 2025 FLORIDA ENERGY STUDY
FCG Supports FPSC’s 2025 FL Energy Study Findings & Recommendations
FCG remains supportive of recommendations and conclusions
contained in the FPSC’s Energy Study (May 2025) including:
• Commissioning an expanded Study to focus on economic
benefits of advanced nuclear technologies, including site
selection and workforce development
• Cost Recovery for initial site evaluations to mitigate financial risks
of early phases of project development
• Emphasis on safety benefits of advanced reactors and
advocating for enhanced public education to build confidence in
new technologies
FCG appreciates the opportunity to provide this update on the
industry’s perspective of next generation nuclear for Florida
APPENDIX
REGULATORY AND INCENTIVE SUMMARY
Support for nuclear is widespread, but many of the incentives available today are
focused on first movers and technology development, not deployment
At federal level, nuclear is seeing support through government funding efforts
as well as regulatory changes to speed up permitting
Government funding is currently offered through tax credits, grants and loans
NRC rule changes regarding permitting are progressing with final action on Part 53
expected by May 2026
Many states created working groups to discuss opportunities and regulations
for new nuclear
Illinois and others undertaking studies to understand impact of new nuclear on state
Idaho convened group to establish “Advanced Nuclear Energy Strategic Framework”
Mission to promote economic development opportunities around new technology
While there are many initiatives to support new nuclear at federal level,
many programs will not have significant impact on projects for several years
RECENT STATE LEVEL ACTIONS
A handful of states have adopted pro-SMR incentives and policies
Alaska
In 2022, Senate Bill 177 was enacted, which makes it easier to obtain
permits for microreactors in Alaska
Iowa
In April 2024, Iowa enacted HF 2279 to allow for advanced ratemaking for
utilities with nuclear facilities
While there are no direct incentives for SMRs in Iowa, state policymakers and
the state’s economic development leadership remain interested in nuclear
Illinois
In 2023, HB 2473 was enacted, which started the process for the creation of
a regulatory structure for the construction of SMRs, and requires the state to
perform a study that will inform rules for regulating SMRs, which is set to be
adopted by state regulators by January 2026
RECENT STATE LEVEL ACTION
(CONTINUED)
A handful of states have adopted pro-SMR incentives and policies
Idaho
In 2023, House Bill 93 was enacted, shifting the existing “renewable energy”
definition to a “clean energy” definition inclusive of nuclear generation
Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee stated his support for SMRs, and partnered with the state’s
General Assembly to create a $50 MM nuclear fund in the states 2023-2024
budget, to help support nuclear development and manufacturing
Virginia
In 2023, the commonwealth enacted the Virginia Power Innovation Fund, which
provides $10 MM in support to the development of advanced energy technology,
including SMRs
Additional background: There is a significant interest in SMRs especially given
the large number of data centers within the commonwealth, and the governor
has publicly stated his desire for an operational SMR by 2032
RECENT STATE LEVEL ACTIONS
(CONTINUED)
A handful of states have adopted pro-SMR incentives and policies
Texas
Governor directed PUC to sponsor the Advanced Nuclear Task Force in 2023
Advanced Nuclear Task Force directed to study and plan for SMRs; expected to file a report
in December 2024
Dow and X-Energy announced they are planning to develop a SMR in TX in May 2023
Wyoming
In 2020, Wyoming enacted legislation to authorize the permitting and operation of SMRs,
including allowing the operation on previously existing coal or natural gas generation facilities
The state took these actions to pave the way for the Terrapower project in southwest
Wyoming
In 2022, Governor Mark Gordon signed House Enrolled Act 59 to further set the regulatory
framework for the Terrapower project
SMRs are currently subject to a generation tax of $5 per MWh, but the 2022 law set a tax
exemption if 80% of an advanced nuclear reactor’s uranium used for producing electricity is
sourced from uranium mines located in the U.S. beginning July 1, 2035
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The bipartisan ADVANCE Act, passed in 2024 aimed to modernize
licensing new reactor technologies
Congress passed bipartisan (Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced
Nuclear for Clean Energy) ADVANCE Act in early 2024; legislation creates new
authority for the NRC to prioritize and streamline permitting for new nuclear
Reduces cost of NRC permitting of advanced reactor designs
Requires NRC to issue a combined license not later than 25 months after date of
which Commission accepts an application
Incorporates efficient process for National Environmental Review Act (NEPA) by
consolidating reviews and increasing funding for increased agency workload
NRC must consider existing site-specific environmental data and previously
approved environmental reviews which would allow for existing environmental
review documents to be utilized for new applications
Requires the NRC to speed up permitting when using site locations that have
retired or retiring fossil generation or at a brownfield site; rulemaking to follow
NRC must complete rulemakings for several of the recently passed provisions,
which will take two to three years for full implementation
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