Website: [Official Bill Text](https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HCR2/id/3040036) ### Overview | Field | Details | |------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Bill/Law Number | NH HCR 2 (2025) | | Title | Declaring the development of advanced nuclear energy technology to be in the best interest of the state of [[New Hampshire]] and the United States | | Jurisdiction | State (New Hampshire) | | Type | Concurrent Resolution | | Status | Passed House | | Introduced Date | January 8, 2025 | | Sponsor(s) | Not specified in available data; primary sponsor information unavailable | | Committee | Science, Technology and Energy (House) | ### Summary NH HCR 2 (2025) is a concurrent resolution introduced in the New Hampshire Legislature during the 2025 Regular Session. Its primary purpose is to express the legislative opinion that the development of advanced nuclear energy technology is in the best interest of both the state of New Hampshire and the United States as a whole. Unlike a bill that enacts law, a concurrent resolution serves as a formal statement of intent or policy direction, reflecting the legislature's stance on a particular issue without creating binding legal obligations. The resolution aims to signal support for innovation in the nuclear energy sector, potentially encouraging research, investment, and policy development related to advanced nuclear technologies. These technologies are often seen as a means to provide low-carbon, reliable energy, which could address both climate change concerns and energy security needs. While it does not mandate specific actions or allocate funds, the resolution could influence future legislative or regulatory efforts in New Hampshire related to energy policy. This resolution primarily affects policymakers, energy industry stakeholders, and research institutions by providing a framework of legislative support for nuclear energy advancements. It does not impose direct requirements on utilities or consumers but may indirectly shape the priorities of state agencies and private entities involved in energy development. The resolution's passage in the House indicates a level of political consensus on the potential benefits of nuclear technology in the state's energy future. ### Key Provisions - **Support for Nuclear Technology**: Declares that advanced nuclear energy technology is in the best interest of New Hampshire and the United States, emphasizing its potential role in energy policy. - **Policy Statement**: Serves as a non-binding expression of legislative intent, aimed at guiding future discussions and decisions on energy innovation. - **Focus on Innovation**: Highlights the importance of technological advancements in nuclear energy, potentially including next-generation reactors or safety improvements. - **State and National Interest**: Frames the development of such technology as beneficial at both the state and [[Federal|federal]] levels, suggesting a broader impact beyond New Hampshire. - **No Direct Mandates**: Lacks enforceable requirements or funding allocations, functioning solely as a statement of support rather than actionable law. ### Legislative History | Date | Action | Details | |---------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | March 20, 2025| Ought to Pass Motion Adopted | Motion adopted in the House with a vote of 258-83 (House Journal 9 P. 89) [LegiScan](https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HCR2/id/3040036) | | March 12, 2025| Minority Committee Report | Minority report recommended "Inexpedient to Legislate" [LegiScan](https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HCR2/2025) | | January 8, 2025| Introduced and Referred | Introduced in the House and referred to the Science, Technology and Energy Committee (House Journal 2 P. 17) [LegiScan](https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HCR2) | ### Voting Record (if applicable) - House/Assembly vote: Yea-258, Nay-83, Abstain-Not specified (as of March 20, 2025, per House Journal 9 P. 89) - Senate vote: Not applicable (resolution has not yet reached the Senate based on available data) - Notable supporters and opponents: Specific individuals or groups are not detailed in available sources; however, the significant House majority in favor (258-83) suggests broad support among representatives, while the minority committee report indicates some opposition within the Science, Technology and Energy Committee. ### Fiscal Impact - Estimated cost or savings: There is no direct fiscal impact as HCR 2 is a non-binding resolution and does not allocate funds or mandate expenditures. - Funding sources identified: Not applicable, as the resolution does not involve budgetary provisions or require funding. ### Stakeholder Positions - **Supporters**: Likely include proponents of nuclear energy, such as energy companies, research institutions, and policymakers focused on low-carbon energy solutions. They may view the resolution as a positive step toward fostering innovation and securing energy independence while addressing climate goals. Specific supporters are not named in available data, but the strong House vote suggests alignment with broader energy innovation advocates. - **Opponents**: Potential opposition could come from environmental groups concerned about nuclear safety, waste management, or cost overruns, as well as policymakers favoring other renewable energy sources like solar or wind. The minority committee report recommending "Inexpedient to Legislate" indicates some legislative dissent, though specific reasons or groups are not detailed in current sources [LegiScan](https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HCR2/2025). ### Related Legislation - [NH HB504 (2025)](https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB504/id/3234179): Relative to state energy policy, signed into law on July 15, 2025, which may provide broader context or alignment with HCR 2’s focus on energy innovation. - [NH HB672 (2025)](https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB672/id/3255794): Allows for off-grid electricity providers, signed into law on August 1, 2025, reflecting a trend toward diverse energy solutions in New Hampshire. ### New Hampshire Implications NH HCR 2 (2025) has direct applicability as a state-level resolution, articulating New Hampshire's legislative support for advanced nuclear energy technology. While non-binding, it could influence future policy decisions or funding priorities related to energy research and development within the state. This resolution aligns with New Hampshire’s existing energy infrastructure, notably the [[Seabrook Station]] Nuclear Power Plant, one of the state’s significant energy assets. Supporting advanced nuclear technology could potentially lead to upgrades or expansions at Seabrook, enhancing its role in providing low-carbon, reliable power to the grid. The resolution also complements broader state energy goals, such as those outlined in related [[Legislation|legislation]] like HB 504 (2025), which addresses state energy policy. It signals a willingness to explore nuclear innovation as part of a diversified energy portfolio, potentially benefiting utilities, research entities, and consumers through improved energy security and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, by framing nuclear technology as a national interest, the resolution may position New Hampshire as a leader or partner in federal or regional nuclear energy initiatives. For New Hampshire’s energy infrastructure, the resolution could encourage investment in next-generation nuclear technologies, impacting grid reliability and sustainability. However, without binding provisions, its immediate effect on infrastructure like Seabrook Station or the state grid remains speculative. The resolution’s alignment with existing policies suggests a cohesive approach to energy innovation, though it must navigate potential opposition from stakeholders concerned about nuclear risks or prioritizing other renewables. ### Implementation Status (if enacted) - Effective date: Not applicable as HCR 2 is a resolution and not a law requiring implementation. - Regulatory rulemaking status: Not applicable; no rulemaking is required for a non-binding resolution. - Compliance deadlines: Not applicable; no compliance mandates are included in the resolution. ### Closing Note NH HCR 2 (2025) represents a significant legislative endorsement of advanced nuclear energy technology, currently passed by the New Hampshire House with strong support as of March 20, 2025. **Word Count**: Approximately 950 words **Sources**: - [LegiScan - NH HCR2 Bill Text](https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HCR2/id/3040036) - [LegiScan - NH HCR2 Summary](https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HCR2/2025) **RSS_FEED**: none *Report generated December 24, 2025*