WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 343

An Act To Direct The Public Utilities Commission To Seek Informational Bids Regarding Small Modular Nuclear Reactors In The State

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Roger Albert and 8 co-sponsors

LD 343 directs Maine's PUC to seek informational bids on small modular reactors to gather data for policy decisions, not authorize procurement, with minor fiscal costs.

Signed by Governor
#informationalbids #modularreactors #nuclearpower
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 343

Summary — LD 343

An Act To Direct the Public Utilities Commission To Seek Informational Bids Regarding Small Modular Nuclear Reactors In The State

Purpose / Intent

LD 343 directs the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to solicit informational bids related to small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) in Maine. The stated intent is to gather information from potential developers/operators about SMR technology, costs, proposed terms, and feasibility to inform state decision‑making about whether, how, and under what conditions SMRs might play a role in Maine’s future electricity portfolio.

Key Provisions

  • Directs the PUC to issue a solicitation for “informational bids” regarding SMRs sited in the state.
  • The bill (as amended by Committee Amendment A, H‑285) was processed through the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee; the amendment was adopted before passage to engrossment.
  • The statutory text of the committee amendment is not included in the materials provided; the core action remains PUC solicitation of informational bids rather than authorization of procurement, construction, or state subsidy.

Notes on terminology:
- “Informational bids” typically refer to non‑binding responses from vendors/developers intended to provide data (cost estimates, schedules, proposed contract terms, project specs) to inform policymakers rather than to commit the state to purchase or build.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public Utilities Commission: tasked with issuing and evaluating the informational solicitation.
  • Governor’s Energy Office: may participate in related policy review or coordination.
  • Utilities, potential SMR developers, and energy market participants: asked to respond with technical and commercial information.
  • Local communities, regulators, and other stakeholders: would be engaged or affected if subsequent decisions were made based on the information gathered.
  • Ratepayers: indirectly affected by any future policy or procurement decisions informed by the solicitation.

Fiscal Impact

  • Fiscal notes indicate only minor cost increases:
    • Approved 04/02/25: Minor cost increase to Other Special Revenue Funds for the PUC; costs expected to be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.
    • Approved 06/16/25 (for a House amendment): Minor General Fund cost increase to the Governor’s Energy Office; costs expected to be absorbed within existing resources.
  • No large appropriation or capital expenditure is authorized by this bill as written.

Legislative Status & Timeline

  • Introduced: January 30, 2025. Primary sponsor: Rep. Reagan Paul; multiple cosponsors.
  • Referred to Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. Committee Amendment A (H‑285) adopted.
  • House passed as amended (May 28, 2025) — vote 77–68. Sent to Senate; Senate actions included non‑concurrence motions and subsequent concurrence/committee referrals.
  • Carried over pursuant to Joint Orders and ultimately: Work Session Held — TABLED (last listed action: October 30, 2025).
  • Because the bill was tabled and carried over, it may be carried into subsequent special or regular sessions of the 132nd Legislature.

Practical Implications

LD 343 is an information‑gathering measure rather than an authorization to build or procure SMRs. If implemented, it would provide the state with documented proposals and commercial parameters from SMR developers to inform future policy, regulatory, procurement, or legislative decisions.

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

Sign in to ask a question.