STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The Arizona House of Representatives today passed House Bill 2795, sponsored by House Majority Leader Michael Carbone, to clear the way for small modular nuclear reactors in rural Arizona and strengthen the state’s long-term energy supply.

HB 2795 limits county authority to block small modular reactors if federal safety, permitting, and public notice requirements have been met. Projects vetted under rigorous federal standards should not face duplicative local requirements after communities have had the opportunity to participate through federally required public comment.

“Advanced nuclear reactors are safe, low-water use, and recycle nuclear waste. They are also good for rural economic development, creating high-paying jobs, strengthening local tax bases, and attracting new businesses that help grow rural communities,” said Majority Leader Michael Carbone. “Arizona’s energy demand is growing rapidly. We must expand reliable generation to compete internationally and stay on the cutting edge of high-tech industries like advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Nuclear energy is the only resource that can deliver reliable, affordable, and abundant power around the clock at scale to meet our growing energy needs.”

“The House Republican Majority Plan focuses on unleashing our state’s economic opportunity by expanding energy production, reducing regulatory burdens, and lowering costs for Arizona families and businesses,” Majority Leader Carbone added. “Today we delivered. With the passage of these bills, Arizona House Republicans are removing barriers and ensuring Arizona remains a national leader in nuclear energy for generations.”

The House also passed HB 2456, HB 2457, and HB 2452, introduced by Representative Justin Wilmeth, Chair of the House’s Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Committee. The measures allow small modular reactors to be co-located with extra-high load factor customers such as data centers and ensure county plans adequately support data centers and advanced nuclear reactors in unincorporated areas.

The House also passed HB 4009, introduced by Representative Jeff Weninger, Chair of the House Commerce Authority Committee, which requires the Arizona State Land Department to identify suitable locations on state trust land for data centers and small modular reactors. State trust land generates revenues for K-12 education.

Other pro-nuclear bills that passed out of the House include HB 2494 and HB 2798. HB 2494 allows utilities to quickly replace existing generating units such as coal or natural gas with small modular reactors without repeating prior environmental reviews. HB 2798 requires the Arizona Geological Survey to map of thorium resources in the state.

The bills now move to the Arizona Senate for consideration.

Michael Carbone is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 25 which includes portions of Yuma, Maricopa, and La Paz Counties. He also serves as House Majority Leader. Follow him on X at @MichaelCarbone.