Reps. Stephanie Barnard and Mark Klicker urge Washington state to compete for federal nuclear innovation campus

As the United States moves to modernize its energy infrastructure, Reps. Stephanie Barnard and Mark Klicker warn that Washington state faces a critical choice: lead the next generation of nuclear technology or risk losing billions in federal investment to other regions.

The lawmakers have introduced House Joint Memorial 4016, urging the state to pursue a new federal partnership. The measure calls for Gov. Bob Ferguson to officially express Washington state’s interest in hosting a “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” a massive Department of Energy initiative that would likely be located in the 16th Legislative District.

“This is a race, and Washington needs to get in the running,” said Barnard, R-Pasco. “We have the most talented nuclear workforce in the country right in our backyard. But talent follows opportunity. If we don’t signal that we are open for business and ready to host these advanced facilities, that investment and those jobs will go to states that are hungrier for them.”

The federal government is currently looking for states to host these campuses, which would handle the entire life of nuclear fuel, from creating it to recycling it, while also hosting advanced reactors and data centers.

“The 16th District has the land, the infrastructure, and the community support to make this a reality,” said Klicker, R-Walla Walla. “We are talking about a facility that would not only stabilize our energy grid but would bring long-term, family-wage jobs to our region. It makes zero sense for Washington state to sit on its hands while the federal government looks for a place to build the future of energy. It belongs right here.”

The proposed innovation campuses are designed to address several problems simultaneously: increasing the supply of carbon-free electricity, managing used nuclear fuel more effectively, and providing the massive power required for modern data centers and manufacturing.

HJM 4016 formally requests that the governor direct state agencies to prepare a competitive response to the Department of Energy. It asks the state to outline a clear plan that leverages the unique strengths of the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, including workforce readiness and existing supply chains.

HJM 4016has been referred to the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee.

If adopted, the joint memorial will be sent to Gov. Ferguson, the Secretary of Energy, and Washington state’s congressional delegation.

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov