DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa will form a new nuclear energy task force as the state’s only nuclear power plant moves towards restarting.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order on Monday to establish the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force. She said it will help advise state leaders on the development and advancement of nuclear power in Iowa.
The order comes just as NextEra Energy is moving through the process to restart the Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Palo, the only nuclear power plant in Iowa. That isn’t expected to resume full operations until 2030. Linn County’s Board of Supervisors are in the midst of zoning regulations for the project.
The order describes the task force goals, including assessing current nuclear technology in Iowa, evaluating opportunities for economic growth using nuclear power and engaging with the federal government and industry leaders in developing the nuclear energy sector.
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.
“Nuclear energy is a vital part of Iowa’s energy future, and I am committed to advancing reliable, sustainable energy solutions that strengthen our energy independence and fuel economic growth,” Governor Reynolds said in a news release. “With our strong foundation in manufacturing and energy innovation, we are uniquely positioned to lead the nation in developing and deploying nuclear technologies. The creation of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force marks a strategic step forward, ensuring the safe, efficient, and responsible integration of nuclear energy into our energy portfolio.”
The Governor tapped Dr. Mark Nutt to lead the task force. He is the director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The other members will represent utilities, power production companies, local government, academia, the Iowa Utilities Commission, and the General Assembly.
“As a graduate of Iowa State University’s Nuclear Engineering program, I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply my background to help evaluate how nuclear energy can responsibly and effectively benefit Iowans,” said Dr. Nutt. “This is an exciting time to explore innovative solutions for Iowa’s energy future.”
Other task force members include:
May Farlinger – Alliant, President of Alliant Energy IowaMike Fehr – MidAmerican, SVP of Generation and DevelopmentLane Witten – NextEra, VP of DevelopmentBrandy Zumbach Meisheid – Linn County Board of Supervisors, ChairDr. Jim McCalley – Iowa State University, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor and Jack London Chair in Power Systems EngineeringSarah Martz – Iowa Utilities Commission, ChairMatt Resor – IBEW Local 405, Business ManagerAndy Roberts – Iowa State Building & Construction Trades, President; Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, Business ManagerSenator Mike Klemish – Iowa Senate, Majority LeaderRep. David Young – Iowa House of Representatives, Chair of CommerceRep. Hans Wilz – Iowa House of Representatives, Member of CommerceSenator Izaah Knox – Iowa Senate, Ranking Member of CommerceRep. Sean Bagniewski – Iowa House of Representatives, Minority Whip
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