HB 2038 Oregon House · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to nuclear energy.

Summary

Requires the State Department of Energy to study nuclear energy, including [ nuclear waste disposal ] legal pathways for the disposal of nuclear waste produced from nuclear energy. Requires the department to consult with the Public Utility Commission and the Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council and to engage with the federally recognized Indian tribes in this state, relevant state agencies and stakeholders. Directs the department to submit findings to the interim committee of the House of Representatives on climate, energy and environment not later than [ September 15, 2026 ] January 31, 2027 . Sunsets January 2, [ 2027 ] 2028 .

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was expanded to require more comprehensive study of nuclear energy, including new requirements for consulting with public utility commissions, tribal governments, and stakeholders. The scope was broadened to include disadvantages of nuclear energy, small modular reactors, and advanced reactor technologies. The deadline for submitting findings was extended from September 2026 to January 2027, and the sunset date was moved from 2027 to 2028.

Scope change

The bill's scope was significantly expanded to include disadvantages of nuclear energy, small modular reactors, fusion, and advanced reactors, plus new requirements for tribal consultation and stakeholder engagement.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement for the Department of Energy to consult with Public Utility Commission and Pacific Northwest Electric Power and Conservation Planning Council

Added requirement to engage with federally recognized Indian tribes through direct written contact

SCOPE

Added study of disadvantages of nuclear energy, small modular reactors, fusion, and advanced reactors

Changed nuclear waste disposal study from general disposal to legal pathways for disposal

TIMELINE

Extended report deadline from September 15, 2026 to January 31, 2027

Extended sunset date from January 2, 2027 to January 2, 2028

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Apr 14, 2025

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Climate, Energy, and Environment with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

lower

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

5 primary · 4 co-sponsors