By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of the Utah State Senate
As the nuclear age continues to develop across the state – especially within the Castle Country – members of the Utah State Legislature are looking to signal support for the industry through a concurrent resolution introduced by Rep. Carl Albrecht (R-Richfield) and sponsored by Sen. David Hinkins (R-Orangeville).
HCR1 “expresses support for the advanced nuclear manufacturing industry and declares the state’s desire to have nuclear manufacturing done in the state.”
In May of 2025, the San Rafael Energy Research Lab was announced as the site for nuclear startup Valar Atomics to construct a test reactor, with the goal of activating it by July 4, 2026, the country’s 250th birthday. In an interview announcing the move, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox described it as “great news for Utah.”
“We made some really poor choices that stopped us from being the dominant nuclear power in the world when it comes to energy production … Utah has played a key role in critical minerals when it comes to uranium and others. We are ready to start building nuclear in Utah.”
In addition to signaling its support for the nuclear manufacturing industry, the resolution would also express the state’s willingness to assist companies in overcoming hurdles in safety, transportation and other areas of the field.
This bill aligns with the state’s energy initiative’ Operation Gigawatt‘, which started in 2024 and seeks to double Utah’s energy production by 2034.
Rep. Albrecht, who serves House District 70, has been a major player in the energy industry. Leading up to his term in the legislature, Albrecht had a 40-year career with Garkane Energy, with 23 of those years being served as CEO. He also works on the House Public Utilities and Energy Committee.
In addition to HCR1, Albrecht has introduced HB78, which would create a Nuclear Energy Regulatory Office within the Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control.
For Sen. Hinkins, his connection to nuclear power lies in his backyard, as the SRERL sits just outside of Orangeville, Utah.
Public response to the nuclear projects in Emery County has been mostly positive. At a public hearing last June to guide the future of the nuclear industry in Emery, citizens voiced support for advancing the industry in the area, especially amid uncertainty surrounding the coal industry. However, concerns do remain for citizens, namely security surrounding the SRERL and Valar Atomics’ facility, and of cancer caused by radiation exposure.
HCR1 has already advanced to the house floor, passing out of the House Public Utilities and Energy Committee on Wednesday with a favorable recommendation.