Small modular reactors in Minnesota viability report appropriation

This bill appropriates $500,000 from the general fund to study the viability of small nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Minnesota. The Pollution Control Agency must produce a report by January 15, 2026, covering environmental protections (water quality, waste management), infrastructure needs (grid integration, emergency response), economic impacts (costs, rate effects), and community benefit models. The report will inform potential future legislation but does not authorize SMR construction or operations. It directly affects state agencies conducting the study and future energy policy decisions.