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Bill

S 281

An act relating to the Zero-Carbon Nuclear Feasibility Study for Vermont

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Beck and 5 co-sponsors

A feasibility study will assess whether zero-carbon nuclear energy could viably and safely help Vermont meet a clean electricity goal, including costs, regulation, and impacts.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 281

Overview

S.281 (2025-2026) from Vermont proposes a Zero-Carbon Nuclear Feasibility Study for Vermont. The bill aims to commission a study to evaluate the viability, costs, and potential role of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon electricity option for the state. The act appears to be at the preliminary legislative stage, having been read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on January 21, 2026. Several legislators are listed as co-sponsors.

Purpose and intent

  • To assess whether nuclear energy could play a significant role in Vermont’s transition to a zero-carbon electric grid.
  • To determine the feasibility, state and local regulatory considerations, economics, safety, reliability, waste management, and any other factors critical to Vermont adopting or evaluating nuclear options.
  • To provide policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of potential benefits and risks associated with a zero-carbon nuclear pathway.

Key provisions (as described by the title and purpose)

  • Authorization or directive to conduct a feasibility study focused on zero-carbon nuclear energy for Vermont.
  • Examination of the full spectrum of factors necessary to evaluate viability, including:
    • Technical feasibility and potential plant technologies or configurations.
    • Cost analysis (capital, operating, fuel, decommissioning, and waste management).
    • Environmental impacts and lifecycle emissions.
    • Reliability and capacity metrics, including grid integration and resilience.
    • Safety, security, and regulatory framework considerations.
    • Waste management, long-term stewardship, and site considerations.
    • Economic and workforce implications for Vermont.
    • Legal and policy barriers or prerequisites at the state and federal levels.
  • Stakeholder engagement processes and potential public input procedures as part of the study scope.
  • Timelines for completion and reporting to the General Assembly or relevant committees (e.g., Natural Resources and Energy).

Impact and affected parties

  • State government and policy makers: Receives a formal feasibility assessment to inform energy, environmental, and economic policy decisions.
  • Vermont residents and ratepayers: Indirectly affected through potential future energy choices, pricing implications, and environmental outcomes depending on subsequent actions based on the study.
  • Regulatory and utility stakeholders: Utilities, state agencies, and environmental/safety regulators engaged in evaluating any proposed nuclear option and in implementing study findings.
  • Workforce and industry: Potential impacts on jobs, training, and investment in clean-energy sectors depending on the study’s conclusions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • First reading completed on January 21, 2026.
  • Bill referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy for detailed review, hearings, and amendments.
  • As a feasibility study bill, primary deliverables would likely include:
    • A written feasibility report outlining findings, scenarios, and recommendations.
    • A timeline and process for potential next steps if a nuclear option warrants further exploration.
  • Specific deadlines or reporting dates would be established in the bill’s final text and committee schedule.

Notes for readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose as a feasibility study focused on zero-carbon nuclear options for Vermont.
  • Without the full text, details such as the exact scope, funding, and reporting requirements are not specified here; those would be clarified in the enacted bill or committee amendments.
  • The bill’s progress may evolve with committee work, potential amendments, and eventual floor action in the Vermont General Assembly.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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