Gov. Kim Reynolds has signed an executive order creating the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force to advise the governor, the General Assembly and state agencies on the development of nuclear energy in Iowa.
The task force will study how nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure could be advanced in the state as part of Iowa’s long-term energy strategy. Reynolds says nuclear power can play a role in strengthening energy reliability, sustainability and economic growth.
Iowa native Dr. Mark Nutt has been appointed chair of the task force. Nutt is the director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and a graduate of Iowa State University’s nuclear engineering program.
The task force will include at least 11 members representing utilities, power producers, local government, labor, academia, the Iowa Utilities Commission and the Iowa Legislature. Members are expected to evaluate how nuclear energy could be safely and responsibly integrated into Iowa’s energy portfolio.
