The Renaissance has begun

LANSING, MI – Today, the Michigan House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation aimed at cementing Michigan’s position as a global leader in the development of next-generation nuclear technologies.

“Today isn’t about a bill passing a chamber, it’s about common sense catching up to reality,” said Rep. Wendzel. “For too long, outdated red tape has slowed the safest, most reliable source of energy we have. Our plan changes that. It supports Michigan engineers and skilled workers, strengthens our energy security, and ensures the power that drives our economy is produced right here at home. Michigan isn’t going to fall behind and watch the rest of the nation move forward, we’re going to stand up, innovate, and lead.”

The legislation establishes a research and development tax credit to spur innovation in next-generation reactor technology. It creates higher education grants to help Michigan’s colleges and universities develop specialized workforce training programs. It provides grants for workers who complete these programs and choose to build their careers in Michigan. And it introduces a production tax credit to ensure that the companies pioneering this technology do it here, in the state that’s ready to lead.

“Lake Michigan College has been training Southwest Michigan’s energy workforce for years, and we’re ready to do even more,” said Dr. Flowers, Provost and Executive Vice President of Lake Michigan College.   “With the passage of these bipartisan bills out of the House, we’re one step closer to expanding apprenticeship programs, skilled trades training, and workforce education in our K–12 schools. Lake Michigan College is ready to meet the demand for the next generation of highly skilled workers right here in Southwest Michigan.”

“Indiana Michigan Power’s (I&M) Cook Nuclear Plant through the dedication of the men and women at the facility have powered Southwest Michigan’s homes, businesses, and industries for fifty years and counting,” said Steve Baker, President and Chief Operating Officer of Indiana Michigan Power. “This legislation builds on that proud legacy by acknowledging and strengthening our region as a leader in America’s nuclear future. With the strong bipartisan leadership of Chair Wendzel and her colleagues, Michigan is creating the policy foundation needed to support existing facilities like I&M’s Cook Plant while paving the way for potential next-generation nuclear technologies in Michigan that would secure reliable, affordable power for decades to come.”

“Nuclear energy is essential to meeting our growing power needs and strengthening America’s energy security,” said Holtec President Kelly Trice. “Thanks to the bipartisan leadership of Governor Whitmer and legislative champions like Chair Wendzel and Representative Andrews, Michigan is laying the groundwork for a brighter energy future. With the historic restart of Palisades—a first-of-its-kind achievement for the nuclear industry—and the coming deployment of small modular reactors, Michigan is charting a course that will define the nation’s energy future, bringing with it reliable baseload generation and high-paying local jobs.”

“Nuclear power has been a key component of Michigan’s energy mix for over 40 years, including the 750 highly skilled employees at our Fermi 2 Power Plant who produce safe, clean and reliable energy every day for our region,” said Pete Dietrich, Senior VP & Chief Nuclear Officer at DTE.  “We support this vital source of energy and jobs, including creating the option for new nuclear projects to serve Michiganders for generations to come.”

With broad bipartisan support, the legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

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