A push for nuclear power expansion is gaining momentum in the Texas Legislature, with a new priority bill designed to fast-track the state's adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs). State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) has filed House Bill (HB) 14, also known as the Texas Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, which aims to establish Texas as a global leader in nuclear energy while strengthening the state’s power grid.
If passed, the bill would create an advanced nuclear energy program within the Office of the Governor, focused on attracting nuclear power projects and streamlining regulatory approvals. It would also provide financial incentives for companies investing in nuclear development, covering costs such as technology research, design, permitting, and construction.
At the heart of the bill is the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Fund, which would offer per-megawatt financial incentives to companies building and operating SMRs. Additionally, a completion bonus, similar to the one associated with the Texas Energy Fund (TEF), would be available to encourage timely project execution.
Texas Seeks to Lead the Nuclear Power Boom
Harris has made no secret of his ambition for Texas to take the lead in the next era of nuclear energy. Speaking to High Plains Pundit, he emphasized the importance of America spearheading the global nuclear renaissance rather than ceding leadership to foreign nations like Russia or China.
“The purpose of House Bill 14 is to make Texas the nuclear capital of the world. The United States must win the nuclear renaissance. It is imperative that the United States become the leader in the development of advanced nuclear technology and the exporter of that technology to the developing world — not Russia or China.”
Governor Greg Abbott echoed that sentiment in his 2025 State of the State address, declaring:
“It’s time for Texas to lead a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.”
Abbott’s spokesman, Andrew Mahaleris, reinforced the governor’s support for nuclear energy, calling it a reliable and affordable solution to strengthen the Texas power grid.
“By utilizing advanced nuclear energy, Texas will enhance the reliability of the state grid and provide affordable, dispatchable power to Texans across the state.”
A Growing Industry with Strong Support
Industry leaders believe that small modular reactors (SMRs) are the key to reviving nuclear power, solving the economic and logistical challenges that have hindered the industry for decades. These next-generation reactors require less space, cost less to build, and can be deployed more quickly than traditional nuclear plants, making them an attractive alternative to other forms of baseload energy.
Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, praised the bill as a historic step toward nuclear expansion, stating:
“House Bill 14 would represent the biggest step taken by any state in the United States to deploy advanced nuclear reactors. The creation of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Program will bring reliable, dispatchable power to Texas and ensure Texas’ place as the economic hub for the future of nuclear.”
Competing Plans and Legislative Momentum
While Harris' proposal appears to have strong backing, it is not the only nuclear bill on the table. State Sen. Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound) and State Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelo)—who chairs the Energy Resources Committee—have introduced a separate but similar proposal.
The main difference? Harris’ plan directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to fund the nuclear program using money from the Texas Energy Fund (TEF), while Parker and Darby’s version does not include TEF funds.
Despite these differences, both chambers of the Legislature seem determined to pass a nuclear power bill that establishes a regulatory authority and incentivizes new projects. Given its low bill number (HB 14), Harris’ proposal appears to be the favored version in the House.
If passed, the program will be in effect until September 1, 2040, marking a long-term commitment to nuclear energy in Texas.
The Future of Nuclear Energy in Texas
With Texas already dominating the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors, adding nuclear power to its energy portfolio could further cement its status as an energy powerhouse. The state's vast land resources, existing infrastructure, and business-friendly policies make it an ideal location for the deployment of SMRs.
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