HB 4046 Oregon House · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to nuclear energy; declaring an emergency.

Summary

Directs the State Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors. Directs the department to engage with tribal governments, consult with certain [ state agencies and ] organizations and utilize moneys from federal, private and other public sources to carry out the study. Requires the department to report and make public information on the sources of moneys or assistance and amounts of moneys that the department receives to carry out this Act, anticipated uses of those moneys or assistance and any potential conflicts of interest. Directs the department to submit the report to the interim committees or committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy not later than one year after the date the department receives the moneys or assistance necessary to complete the study. Directs the department to provide an update on the department's progress in carrying out this Act to the interim committees or committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy not later than February 15, 2027. Establishes the Nuclear Energy Study Fund. Sunsets January 2, [ 2028 ] 2030 . Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Issues: ✓ Energy

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Last action Mar 7, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 8 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to expand the study's scope to include specific reactor types, economic impacts, and public input requirements. The reporting deadline was changed from a fixed date to one year after funding is received, with an additional progress report due by February 15, 2027. The sunset date was extended from 2028 to 2030.

Scope change

The study scope was significantly expanded to include detailed analysis of reactor types, economic impacts, financing models, and public health considerations, plus new requirements for public comment and tribal consultation.

TIMELINE

Report deadline changed from fixed February 15, 2027 to one year after receiving funding, with a separate progress report due by February 15, 2027.

Sunset date extended from January 2, 2028 to January 2, 2030.

REQUIREMENT

Added requirement to report publicly on funding sources, amounts, anticipated uses, and potential conflicts of interest.

Added requirement to seek public input and provide opportunities for public comment during report development.

Added requirement to consult with state agencies listed in ORS 469.350(2), the Oregon Health Authority, and other relevant agencies.

Removed requirement to consult with the Public Utility Commission and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.

SCOPE

Expanded study scope to include specific reactor types (water-cooled, gas-cooled, salt-cooled), financing models, ratepayer impacts, and environmental justice considerations.

Reorganized study topics from a detailed list of 12 subjects to a more structured format with clearer categories.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Mar 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Feb 17, 2026

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Committee

Referred to Climate, Energy, and Environment with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

lower

Feb 2, 2026

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

8 primary · 11 co-sponsors