STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – The House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee on Tuesday passed House Bill 2795, legislation sponsored by House Majority Leader Michael Carbone to support the rapid deployment of advanced nuclear reactors in Arizona while preserving public input and federal safety oversight.

HB 2795 limits the ability of county zoning ordinances to prohibit small modular reactors if rigorous federal safety, permitting, and public notice requirements have been met. The bill clears the way for new nuclear power generation in rural Arizona while ensuring communities are heard through federal public comment processes.

The measure aligns with the House Republican Majority Plan to unleash economic prosperity, strengthen rural communities, and ensure Arizona families and businesses have access to abundant and reliable power.

“Advanced nuclear reactors are coming, and we need to be prepared,” said Majority Leader Michael Carbone. “We need these projects to keep up with China and compete on national security. Educating the public remains the number one issue, but I believe when members of the public see the facts, they will understand the substantial benefits these projects can bring. Small modular reactors offer safe, clean, reliable power with high-paying jobs and opportunities for economic development—especially in our rural areas. HB 2795 ensures that when federal safety standards are met and the public has had its say, local zoning cannot be used to block these critical projects that can secure our future energy supply.”

Small modular reactors are safer than past designs, often being integrated with passive safety features that make them completely meltdown-proof and walk-away safe. Their designs and safety features are also certified at the federal level, requiring developers to complete extensive reviews before construction, including early site permitting, design certification, and public notice and comment. HB 2795 applies only after those rigorous requirements have been met and formally provided to the county board of supervisors.

“As Arizona grows, our demand for power will keep rising,” Carbone added. “The Majority Plan focuses on maximizing our ability to generate safe, reliable, and dependable power as affordably and abundantly as possible. Blocking new technologies puts these objectives at risk, and this bill makes sure that our public zoning process cannot be weaponized to block these new technologies.”

HB 2795 now advances to the full House 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.