(Des Moines) Governor Kim Reynolds today signed an executive order establishing the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force to advise her, the General Assembly, and relevant state agencies on the development and advancement of nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in the state.
“Nuclear energy is a vital part of Iowa’s energy future, and I am committed to advancing reliable, sustainable energy solutions that strengthen our energy independence and fuel economic growth,” said Governor Reynolds. “With our strong foundation in manufacturing and energy innovation, we are uniquely positioned to lead the nation in developing and deploying nuclear technologies. The creation of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force marks a strategic step forward, ensuring the safe, efficient, and responsible integration of nuclear energy into our energy portfolio.”
The governor has appointed Iowa native Dr. Mark Nutt, Director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to serve as chair of the task force, which will include at least 11 members who represent utilities, power production companies, local government, academia, the Iowa Utilities Commission, and the General Assembly.
“I’m honored to serve as chair of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force,” Dr. Nutt said. “As a graduate of Iowa State University’s Nuclear Engineering program, I’m grateful for the opportunity to apply my background to help evaluate how nuclear energy can responsibly and effectively benefit Iowans. This is an exciting time to explore innovative solutions for Iowa’s energy future.”
Other task force members include:
- May Farlinger – Alliant, President of Alliant Energy Iowa
- Mike Fehr – MidAmerican, SVP of Generation and Development
- Lane Witten – NextEra, VP of Development
- Brandy Zumbach Meisheid – Linn County Board of Supervisors, Chair
- Dr. Jim McCalley – Iowa State University, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor and Jack London Chair in Power Systems Engineering
- Sarah Martz – Iowa Utilities Commission, Chair
- Matt Resor – IBEW Local 405, Business Manager
- Andy Roberts – Iowa State Building & Construction Trades, President; Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, Business Manager
- Senator Mike Bousselot – Iowa Senate, Chair of Commerce
- Rep. David Young – Iowa House of Representatives, Chair of Commerce
- Rep. Hans Wilz – Iowa House of Representatives, Member of Commerce
- Senator Izaah Knox – Iowa Senate, Ranking Member of Commerce
- Rep. Sean Bagniewski – Iowa House of Representatives, Minority Whip
The responsibilities of the task force include, but are not limited to:
- Exploring opportunities to engage with the federal government to support nuclear energy development and ensure Iowa’s policies and initiatives align with national regulations;
- Assessing emerging nuclear technologies for Iowa’s energy sector;
- Engaging with industry leaders, academic institutions, and others to ensure Iowa develops a highly skilled workforce for the growing nuclear energy sector;
- Engaging with manufacturers and other nuclear energy stakeholders to identify barriers to entry and the partnerships and investments needed to cultivate a nuclear supply chain in Iowa; and
- Evaluating opportunities to enhance economic growth by utilizing nuclear energy.
The executive order requires the task force to submit its final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the governor within 180 days of the order’s issuance.
