State Rep. Dave Prestin today voted for bipartisan legislation that would completely overhaul and advance Michigan’s nuclear energy production network. The plan, House Bills 4124-4129, creates tax credits, grant programs, and higher education pathways all geared toward expanding nuclear energy production in Michigan.

“Michigan must be a leader in developing new, innovative ways to produce energy,” said Prestin, R-Cedar River. “Embracing production methods like nuclear, specifically small modular reactors, will ensure the shift from fossil fuels to alternative energy production will be done so in a way that does not leave rural homes and businesses in the dark.”

The plan, which passed the House with significant bipartisan support, looks to bolster nuclear energy production and development on all fronts. If approved by the state Senate and signed into law by Gov. Whitmer, the plan would create a corporate income tax credit for research and development expenses on advanced small modular reactors (SMRs).

Prestin has long been a supporter of SMRs, calling them the energy production of the future for the Upper Peninsula.

“In the U.P., small modular reactors are our most likely pathway forward,” Prestin said. “With the ridiculous new green energy mandates – which will never work – being forced here in Michigan, paired with the unreliability and astronomical expenses associated with wind and solar energy production, unique production methods like SMRs will be our only option. These units are portable, reliable and will secure consistent and affordable energy production in even the most remote corners of the U.P.”

Other portions of the plan create nuclear and hydrogen education grant programs to encourage high school graduates to pursue careers in nuclear energy production and additional grant programs to award Michigan college graduates who decide to live and work in Michigan after graduation.

The plan now moves to the Senate for further consideration.

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