Edited release
01/06/26
Governor Kim Reynolds has signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force to advise her, the General Assembly, and relevant state agencies on the development and advancement of nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in the state.
In a release from the Governor’s office, Reynolds called nuclear energy a vital part of Iowa’s energy future, and the creation of the Task Force will help ensure the safe, efficient and responsible integration of nuclear energy into the state’s energy portfolio.
The governor has appointed Iowa native Dr. Mark Nutt, Director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to serve as chair of the task force which will include at least 11 members who represent utilities, power production companies, local government, academia, the Iowa Utilities Commission, and the General Assembly.
Nutt is a graduate of Iowa State University’s Nuclear Engineering program.
The responsibilities of the task force include but are not limited to:
- Exploring opportunities to engage with the federal government to support nuclear energy development and ensure Iowa’s policies and initiatives align with national regulations;
- Assessing emerging nuclear technologies for Iowa’s energy sector;
- Engaging with industry leaders, academic institutions, and others to ensure Iowa develops a highly skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector;
- Engaging with manufacturers and other nuclear energy stakeholders to identify barriers to entry and the partnerships and investments needed to cultivate a nuclear supply chain in Iowa; and
- Evaluating opportunities to enhance economic growth by utilizing nuclear energy.
The executive order requires the task force to submit its final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the governor within 180 days of the order’s issuance.
A link to the executive order can be found with this story at 1630 KCJJ dot com or on the KCJJ app.
https://governor.iowa.gov/media/526/download?inline=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery