2022-02-04                     House Journal                      Page 1765
HB 299                                                                                                                        
HOUSE BILL NO. 299 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                   
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act relating to microreactors."                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                                                          
Energy and the Resources Committee.                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Zero, Dept. of Environmental Conservation                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 31 follows:                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Speaker Stutes:                                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to nuclear microreactors.                                                       
                                                                                                                                
This bill would allow Alaskan communities to pursue the use of                                                                  
nuclear microreactors in Alaska by excluding local microreactor                                                                 
projects from the legislative designation siting requirement, exempting                                                         
microreactors from the ongoing study requirement of AS 18.45.030 in                                                             
recognition of the extensive research taking place both inside and                                                              
outside of Alaska, and adopting the federal definition of a                                                                     
"microreactor."                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
This bill represents an important step toward securing Alaska,s energy                                                          
independence, supporting the readiness of our Nation's military, and                                                            
creating a pathway to new and alternative energy opportunities for                                                              
communities across our State. Alaska has always stood at the                                                                    
vanguard of sustainable microgrid technology, and this bill will ensure                                                         
we retain our global leadership role.                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor"