Why It Matters
North Dakota is exploring whether the state could host a nuclear power plant, a decision that could reshape its energy economy and position it alongside other states developing advanced reactor technology. Lawmakers are focusing on building public support before any facilities are proposed.
What Happened
The state’s Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee concluded its work this week without plans to introduce legislation during the 2027 session. Instead, state leaders are pursuing a longer-term strategy centered on community engagement and education.
Sen. Dale Patten (R-Watford City), who chairs the committee, intends to sponsor two separate bills. One would carve out an exception to North Dakota’s existing ban on storing high-level radioactive waste, allowing temporary on-site storage at nuclear power plants. The second proposal would merge the interim committee with the High-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Council, streamlining oversight.
Patten is also working with Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) on a measure designed to spread information about the committee’s work to communities throughout the state. According to Patten, the success of that engagement effort is essential. “Without that success, I don’t think there’s a path forward,” he told the committee, as first reported by the North Dakota Monitor.
The push reflects interest from some state residents. Ian Gilley, a farmer from Sheyenne and former U.S. Navy nuclear engineer, voiced support for continued nuclear development in North Dakota, noting the potential economic benefits and energy security a facility could bring to a host community.
By the Numbers
23 — students enrolled in North Dakota State University’s first class of a new nuclear engineer certificate program, launching this fall
8 — states currently running community engagement programs on nuclear energy
4 — Wyoming communities that expressed interest before TerraPower selected Kemmerer for its small modular reactor project
100 — years Gilley stated a nuclear facility could reliably supply North Dakota electricity
Zoom Out
North Dakota joins a growing number of states pursuing nuclear energy development as part of their long-term power strategies. Wyoming, New York, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Nebraska, Connecticut, and Utah are all running public engagement initiatives to assess community interest in hosting nuclear facilities.
The national momentum reflects broader interest in advanced nuclear technology. Earlier this year, TerraPower—a company backed by Bill Gates—broke ground on a small modular reactor in Wyoming, selecting the Kemmerer site after four communities there signaled openness to the project.
Educational infrastructure is expanding alongside state-level planning. North Dakota State University is launching its nuclear engineer certificate program this fall, while Bismarck State College operates an existing online associate degree program for nuclear technicians. Utah has taken aggressive steps to build public awareness, committing to at least one county-level engagement event in every part of the state.
What’s Next
Patten’s two bills will move through the legislative process in coming months, though neither faces sponsorship until after the 2027 session begins. The emphasis on community outreach suggests North Dakota intends to gauge public appetite before any formal site selection occurs. The state has no proposed facilities or selected locations at this stage, keeping the initiative firmly in the planning and education phase.
The September special session will address other state priorities, but nuclear energy development appears positioned as a longer-term conversation that will unfold through engagement events and educational programs across North Dakota.