Video & Transcript : 'factory closures' :
Page 8 of 177
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee Jan 21st, 2026
Budget and Fiscal Review
Transcript Highlights:
- And that program, I don't see a comprehensive plan to deal with some of these upcoming closures and impacts
- So the point I'm just trying to bring to your attention is it's been well-publicized, the closures of
- So the point I'm just trying to bring to your attention is it's been well-publicized, the closures of
- You cannot simply assume you're going to get a bonus forever at a factory that may be closing.
Committee:
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 5 on Corrections, Public Safety, Judiciary, Labor and Transportation May 7th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- There are very few factories who can actually do any of the things that we want.
- There are very few factories who can actually do any of the things that we want.
- We did in L.A.; two factories were built as a result of the L.A. Metro policy.
- There's no reason why dozens of factories couldn't be built as well.
- There's no reason why dozens of factories couldn't be built as well.
Summary:
The Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 5 heard an update from the California High-Speed Rail Authority on its draft 2026 business plan and related budget proposals. The Authority reported continued Central Valley construction progress, including completion of 59 of 92 major structures, 80 of 119 miles of guideway under construction, 93% utility relocation completion, and plans to begin track laying and electrification soon. It said the revised goal remains completing the Merced-to-Bakersfield early operating segment by 2032-33, while also pursuing ancillary revenue opportunities, a private partner through a co-development procurement, and two budget change proposals to reappropriate $423 million for Link Union Station and $246 million in federal trust funds before they expire.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office said it had no specific concerns with the budget change proposals but raised major concerns about the draft business plan and the project’s broader fiscal outlook. LAO said the plan appears incomplete in several respects, that funding is likely insufficient to complete the revised initial operating segment and would leave a larger gap for expansion beyond the Central Valley, and that borrowing costs, optimistic assumptions, and uncertainty around future greenhouse gas reduction fund revenues could worsen the outlook. LAO suggested the Legislature could wait for a finalized business plan and highlighted unresolved questions about the scope of the project, borrowing, public-private partnerships, and proposed statutory changes.
Members focused on whether the project can be delivered on time and what financial obligations the state could face. Senators questioned the need for tax increment financing, value capture, and other legislative changes, with concerns about impacts on local governments and school districts. The Authority said utility relocation authority is its top legislative priority and that value capture is a longer-term tool that would not affect civil construction of Merced-to-Bakersfield, but could affect payback timing. It also said the state’s $1 billion annual cap-and-invest funding through 2045 is currently assumed to cover the Central Valley segment, while private partners could either finance against that state commitment or invest additional capital in other segments. Public testimony was mixed: building trades and labor groups supported the project and the Authority’s request, while local government and special district representatives opposed tax increment proposals and urged consent from affected agencies; environmental and rail advocates supported the project and urged action on utility relocation. No votes were taken, and the hearing adjourned after public comment.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- I present Docket Number 24-3931-2501, Rules of the Factory Built Structure Board.
- The Factory Built Structure Board seeks to make permanent the temporary rules to the modular building
- The Factory Built Structure Board seeks to make permanent the temporary rules to the modular building
- time, use the almost-ditto strategy to present to us Pending Rule Docket 24-3931-2501, Rules for Factory-Built
- Thank you for the opportunity to present Docket Number 24-3931-2501, Rules of the Factory Built Structure
Committee:
House Business
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Thursday, May 8, 2025)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Adia has had to lay off staff at the factory, is unable to make long-term decisions.
- has had to lay off staff at the factory is<00:16:37.360><c> unable</c><00:16:37.680><c> to</c><00:16
- American<00:16:40.000><c> farmers,</c><00:16:40.800><c> factory</c><00:16:41.279><c> workers,</c><00:
- 16:41.680><c> and</c> American farmers, factory workers, and American farmers, factory workers, and transportation
- </c> hire would bring jobs and factories hire would bring jobs and factories roaring<03:20:43.000><c>
Keywords:
Congressional Gold Medal, Army Rangers, World War II, ceremony, Emancipation Hall, colorectal cancer, Hispanic community, screening disparity, awareness, healthcare access, health education, chronic illness, cancer research, colon cancer, rectal cancer, cancer screening, Hispanic health, Latino health, racial disparities, health equity
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Jobs and Economic Development - 02/05/25
Jobs and Economic Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We've done a demo factory, and this would be the first commercial-size factory.
- We've done a demo factory, and this would be the first commercial-size factory. We have's the...
- </c><01:20:54.400><c> and</c> correct we've done a demo Factory and correct we've done a demo Factory
- And also where they're being... is the demo Factory and um give me some is the demo Factory and um give
- Where the factory is? Scotland?
Committee:
Senate Jobs and Economic Development
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 29th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this during World War II, when millions answered the call to serve, and women stepped forward into factories
- , When millions answered the call to serve, and women stepped forward into factories and workplaces to
- support the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons grants for the State of California, to help bring closure
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a largely procedural session with several unanimous-consent motions, guest introductions, and budget-related trailer bills. Members also adopted resolutions recognizing June as Dairy Month and June 2026 as Electronic Dance Music Month, and later approved H.R. 88 commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Guest introductions highlighted the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Kappa League, Assembly staff member Mukhtar Ali, and Jennifer Levy, who is advocating against drunk driving after the death of her son.
On the floor, the Assembly considered a series of Senate budget trailer bills presented by Assembly Member Gabriel. SB 170 reorganizes housing and homelessness agencies; SB 171 makes labor-related cleanup changes; SB 172 addresses general government, broadband, and NextGen 9-1-1; SB 174 extends remote court hearings and related court provisions; SB 177 advances options related to Medi-Cal and employer contributions; SB 180 extends the California Competes tax credit and conforms tax treatment for certain savings accounts; SB 169 covers transportation and DMV-related provisions; SB 168 creates a zero-emission vehicle incentive program and other clean-energy changes; SB 166 implements natural resources and environmental protection budget items; SB 165 extends the skilled nursing facility financing framework; SB 163 updates developmental services; and SB 135 funds higher education initiatives, including community college enrollment and Cal Grant changes. Most of these measures passed with bipartisan support, though several drew opposition over concerns about bureaucracy, fees, oversight, or policy direction.
The Assembly also passed SB 719, which updates vehicle-related protections for domestic violence survivors, SB 97, an urgency bill making clarifying changes to digital financial asset law, SB 1350, which supports hydrogen and clean energy development, and SB 1344, which aims to reduce meritless lawsuits delaying affordable and supportive housing projects. AB 182, which sets the order for proposition numbers on the November ballot, was approved despite criticism that it manipulates the ballot numbering process. Votes on the measures were recorded, with many passing on strong margins and several transmitted immediately to the Senate or Governor as noted in the proceedings.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 29th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- this during World War II, when millions answered the call to serve, and women stepped forward into factories
- When millions answered the call to serve, and women stepped forward into factories and workplaces to
- support the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons grants for the state of California, to help bring closure
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- There are some tires that do provide unique identification, but it's usually with factory tires that
- facility in Deer Park had a fire that released toxic chemicals into the air and water, forcing school closures
Committee:
House Environmental Regulation
Keywords:
translation, environmental quality, complaints, accessibility, multilingual, TCEQ, environmental justice, environmental complaints, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, language access, public information, Texas Commission, multilingual access, administrative actions, environmental regulations, state representatives, state senators, penalty notice, Water Code, legislative notification
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- I've had the opportunity to support a company in the EV space, Cellink Corporation, building a factory
- So we may get millions of dollars more in incentives by building a factory in Tennessee, but if we can't
- Building a factory in Arizona, for example, presents challenges with how we work and the industry's needs
- The workforce in building a factory, along with our non-union workforce operating inside of a factory
- In 2009, I worked, I mean, and it's unbelievable, but at one point I had union contractors in my factory
Committee:
Senate Nominations
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 21st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , also known as factory-built housing.
- , also known as factory-built housing.
- factory before being shipped.
- Because factory-built housing is a relatively new industry in California, these factories do not have
- happen if the factory fails.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Jul 1st, 2026
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- In these parrot breeding factories, workers treat birds like disposable merchandise to be churned out
- Birds, a parrot breeding factory in Petco and PetSmart's supply chain.
- Birds, a parrot breeding factory in Petco and PetSmart's supply chain.
- Simply put, birds in the U.S. are factory farmed for pet stores and the larger pet industry.
- Today you've heard about parrot mills and parrot factories.
Keywords:
Newbury, rodenticides, second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, SGARs, pesticides, pest control, wildlife protection, environmental regulation, local bylaw, municipal authority, private property, rodent control, anticoagulant poison, public health, Massachusetts local option, Wellfleet, fertilizer, nitrogen, phosphorus, nutrient pollution
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Energy Finance and Policy Committee 3/17/26
Energy Finance and Policy
Transcript Highlights:
- the factory in roughly a year's<00:09:10.160><c> time.
- </c><00:09:22.640><c> sits</c> I think interestingly this factory sits I think interestingly this factory
- So um that's our<00:30:45.279><c> first</c><00:30:45.520><c> factory.
- Um and we I think our first factory.
- </c><00:45:18.000><c> So</c> the states and into your factory? So the states and into your factory?
Committee:
House Energy Finance and Policy
Keywords:
climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, financing, sustainability, environmental policy, renewable energy, Minnesota Climate Innovation Financing Authority, earned incentive release credit, release credits, supervised release, corrections, Minnesota Department of Corrections, sentence reduction, good time, prison time, incarceration, violent offenses, murder, criminal sexual conduct, sex offenses
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 2058 is regarding permitting and inspections for factory-built housing.
- Many of us have now toured various factory-built housing facilities and factories, and I think that many
- Many of us have now toured various factory-built housing facilities and factories, and I think that many
- AB 2058 increases efficiency, removes redundancy, and lowers costs for factory-built projects.
- But for a factory-built project, they may completely produce the modules.
Summary:
The committee hearing covered a long agenda of local government and housing-related bills, with the chair repeatedly noting the committee was operating without a quorum for much of the meeting. Several measures were heard with no opposition, including AB 2639 on Merced County flood control coordination, AB 1788 on allowing best-value contracting for general law cities and the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, AB 2058 on reducing duplicative permitting and inspection costs for factory-built housing, AB 2576 on clarifying historic resource protections in a housing law, AB 2568 on increasing the compensation cap for water district board members, AB 2224 on updating county recorder fees and requiring electronic recording, AB 2469 on water-supply review and cost responsibility for data centers, and AB 2397 on requiring local governments to justify denials of certain housing-finance decisions. Most of these bills were presented as targeted fixes to improve efficiency, reduce delays, or modernize outdated statutes, and the authors generally requested aye votes and noted committee amendments where applicable.
The most extended debate centered on AB 1751, which would streamline approval of qualifying townhome projects while setting a $28 hourly minimum wage floor for construction workers on covered private projects. Supporters argued the bill would expand homeownership opportunities, raise wages for largely non-union residential workers, and preserve existing prevailing wage law while adding enforcement tools and developer liability. Opponents, including several building trades and labor organizations, argued it would undercut prevailing wage standards, create a race to the bottom, and potentially affect wage-setting more broadly. Committee members asked detailed questions about land-use barriers, the relationship to prevailing wage, and whether the bill would affect unionized work; the author and supporters responded that it applies narrowly to private for-sale townhome projects and does not alter prevailing wage requirements.
AB 2469 also drew a substantive split. Supporters said data centers should be required to provide water-supply assessments before approval, pay for infrastructure they trigger, and account for impacts on overdrafted groundwater basins and local ratepayers. Opponents from the Chamber of Commerce, Data Center Coalition, counties, and tech groups argued existing law already covers water planning, that the bill imposes unique and burdensome requirements on one industry, and that some reporting provisions could raise security concerns. The author responded that the bill is about front-end planning and local accountability, not daily reporting, and emphasized the hyperlocal strain data centers can place on small water systems. No final votes were taken during the hearing because the committee lacked a quorum, though members repeatedly indicated support or intent to vote aye once a quorum was present.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Local Government Committee Apr 22nd, 2026
Local Government
Transcript Highlights:
- Assembly Bill 2058 is regarding permitting and inspections for factory-built housing.
- Many of us have now toured various factory-built housing.
- Many of us have now toured various factory-built housing facilities and factories, and I think that many
- But for a factory-built project...
- But for a factory-built project, they may completely produce the modules.
Committee:
House Local Government
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session May 21st, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- , also known as factory-built housing.
- factory before being shipped.
- Because factory-built housing is a relatively new industry in California, these factories do not have
- happen if the factory fails.
- This then leads to these factories having even less projects and subsequently still having...
Summary:
The Assembly met on May 7, 2026, after an initial delay caused by the absence of a quorum, then proceeded with prayer, a moment of silence for victims of a hate-motivated attack at the Islamic Center in San Diego, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Speaker pro tempore then moved through the daily file, repeatedly urging members to be on time and at their desks as the House of Origin deadline approached. Procedural actions included dispensing with the journal, deferring some items, and moving AB 1667 to the inactive file.
The bulk of the session was devoted to floor consideration of many bills, most of which passed with little or no opposition. Measures approved included bills on artificial intelligence provenance information (AB 2713), community college trustee compensation (AB 2528), transit camera enforcement and privacy (AB 1837), excess proceeds claims in taxation (AB 2705), HOA technical cleanup (AB 1892), hepatitis C treatment access (AB 1843), child care planning in local general plans (AB 1914), greenhouse energy code flexibility (AB 2200), rent-now-pay-later consumer protections (AB 2350), housing cleanup and density bonus measures (including AB 2390, AB 2480, AB 1567, AB 1751, and others), spay/neuter access (AB 2010), workforce housing financing tools (AB 2110), supportive housing and homelessness-related changes (AB 2146), mental health and health plan notification measures (AB 1598, AB 2613), student aid and education bills (AB 1534, AB 1636, AB 1669, AB 1728, AB 1784, AB 1871), public safety and criminal justice bills (AB 1546, AB 1572, AB 1872, AB 1877, AB 1932), and several health and social services measures (AB 1602, AB 1628, AB 1680, AB 1825, AB 1845, AB 1906, AB 1907, AB 1925). Most bills were described as support measures, often with bipartisan backing and no opposition, and passed by wide margins.
A few bills drew more discussion, especially AB 1751, a housing/townhome bill that sparked extended debate over wages, prevailing wage, stakeholder engagement, and whether the measure could depress pay for construction trades; despite concerns and an opposition speech, it ultimately passed 44-0. AB 1793, which would allow symmetrical rounding of cash transactions to the nearest nickel in light of the penny’s phaseout, also drew light debate and passed 47-1. AB 1932, an urgency measure expanding community-based crisis response, passed with one no vote on both the urgency and the bill. Several urgency or 54-vote bills, including AB 1534 and AB 1932, required later roll calls or calls to be lifted, but all measures described in the transcript were ultimately approved.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Floor Session Feb 11th, 2026
Washington House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- An act relating to adopting national standards for factory-built housing.
- What this does is allows Washington State to adopt national standards for inspection of factory-built
- bill, however, is to reduce the cost of those inspections, which I think will bring down the cost of factory-built
Bills:
HB1160 , HB1289 , HB1339 , HB1798 , HB1065 , HB1717 , HB1795 , HB1859 , HB2107 , HB2113 , HB2124 , HB2125 , HB2133 , HB2134 , HB2140 , HB2151 , HB2155 , HB2165 , HB2185 , HB2191 , HB2205 , HB2211 , HB2219 , HB2242 , HB2245 , HB2253 , HB2283 , HB2317 , HB2343 , HB2385 , HB2406 , HB2417 , HB2426 , HB2501 , HB2531 , HB2574 , HB2606 , HB1170 , HB1544 , HB1834 , HB2111 , HB2156 , HB2188 , HB2199 , HB2206 , HB2296 , HB2360 , HB2436 , HB2471 , HB2478 , HB2510 , HB2525 , HB2532 , HB2543 , HB2605 , HB2624 , HJM4012 , HB1759
Keywords:
design review, local government, land use, zoning, project permits, housing density, middle housing, affordable housing, parking minimums, single-family zoning, infill development, growth management, comprehensive plan, permit streamlining, objective development regulations, architectural review, administrative review, transit-oriented development, accessory dwelling units, ADU
Summary:
The House convened, established a quorum, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and heard a prayer before caucusing. The chamber then received a Senate message that Substitute Senate Bill 5820 had passed the Senate. Members took up a long series of House bills on second and third reading, with most advancing by wide margins after brief debate and, in some cases, amendments.
Among the measures considered, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2165 on impersonating law enforcement drew the most debate. Supporters said it would address public safety and accountability by prohibiting people from claiming police authority or creating that impression, while opponents argued it could create confusion, overlap with existing law, or interfere with federal-state law enforcement cooperation. Amendment 1521 was adopted to protect ceremonial transfers of badges and identification to families of fallen or retired officers. The bill ultimately passed 56-38. Other bills passed included House Bill 2624 on clarifying property-related definitions for conservancies, House Bill 2385 delaying implementation dates tied to Medicaid reimbursement changes, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1717 on affordable housing tax remittance, Second Substitute House Bill 1859 on housing development on faith-owned land, Substitute House Bill 2151 adopting national standards for factory-built housing inspections, House Bill 2155 protecting the nursing title, House Bill 2111 on Interstate Bridge toll interest revenue, House Bill 2543 on county clerk fees, House Bill 2606 updating the Office of Privacy and Data Protection’s performance measures and AI-related duties, and House Bill 2417 aligning victim rights for National Guard members.
Later, the House considered additional bills on early learning, marine safety, energy devices, nitrous oxide sales, derelict vessels, and a Seahawks-related resolution. House Bill 2317 on early learning assistance was amended to clarify school and community/technical college premises and passed unanimously. House Bill 2436, a technical fix for pilotage-related vessel requirements, also passed unanimously. Substitute House Bill 2296, dealing with distributed energy resource devices and meter-mounted equipment, passed 56-38 after concerns about timing relative to UTC rulemaking. Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2532, restricting nitrous oxide sales with exemptions for medical, dental, and automotive uses, passed unanimously after an amendment clarifying those exemptions. Substitute House Bill 2199, aimed at removing derelict and sinking vessels, passed unanimously. Finally, House Bill 1759 designating December 12 as the “Day of the 12s” in honor of the Seahawks and their fans passed 93-2 after enthusiastic floor remarks and a brief point of order. The House then recessed for caucus until 2 p.m.
AL
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
Alabama Senate Special Session 2026 May 6th, 2026
Alabama Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- I don't know what your intent is as it relates to closure today, but it is so discouraging to be in this
- I don't know what your intent is as it relates to closure today, but it is so discouraging to be in this
- is as it don't know um what your intent is as it relates<00:36:45.280><c> to</c><00:36:45.599><c> closure
- </c><00:36:46.160><c> today</c> relates to closure today relates to closure today but<00:36:48.079><c
- 03:44.559><c> you</c><01:03:44.799><c> see</c><01:03:44.880><c> them,</c> They're working in your factories
Summary:
The Alabama Senate convened with prayer, the pledge, and a roll call establishing a quorum of 34 senators present. The chamber then received a House message referring House Bill 1 on primary elections to the Committee on County and Municipal Government, and moved to Senate Bill 1, also dealing with primary elections and tied to ongoing court action over Alabama’s legislative maps. Senator Elliott explained SB 1 as a prospective measure meant to set up a special election if federal courts lift injunctions on the state Senate districts, while opponents argued the bill was being rushed and could disrupt voters, candidates, absentee voters, and election administration.
Much of the debate focused on whether the bill would effectively change election rules too close to an election and whether it conflicted with a 2022 statewide amendment requiring election-related changes to take effect at least six months before a general election. Supporters said the bill simply preserves the legislature’s enacted maps and responds to recent court rulings, while opponents said it could disenfranchise voters, especially military, elderly, absentee, rural, and Black voters, and that the underlying litigation and federal Voting Rights Act issues remained unresolved. Several members also referenced a Brennan Center report and broader concerns about racial turnout gaps and minority representation in Alabama.
Senator Coleman offered an amendment to give the state discretion rather than mandate a special election, arguing it would better align with the current court order; the Senate rejected it on a roll call vote, 8 yeas to 25 nays. Senator Vivian Figures then offered a notice-focused amendment requiring adequate public notice before any election changes, arguing that voters need time to learn new dates, polling places, deadlines, and ballot information; that amendment also failed on a roll call vote, with the clerk announcing it did not pass. The transcript ends with further discussion beginning after the failed amendment votes.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
House Standing Committee BR Sub. on Primary & Secondary Education & Workforce Dev (2-11-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- count is driven completely by poverty and income, and so if you see an area that gets, lands a great factory
- winter months, and then with other extraordinary circumstances that may come about with a business closure
- circumstances that may come about with a circumstances that may come about with a business<00:37:43.960><c> closure
- or</c><00:37:45.200><c> something</c><00:37:45.520><c> like</c><00:37:45.720><c> that</c> business closure
- or something like that business closure or something like that that<00:37:46.000><c> may</c><00:37:46.280
Summary:
The House Budget Review Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education and Workforce Development received a presentation from Kentucky Department of Education officials on the final SEEK estimate for fiscal year 2025. Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, Matt Ross, and Chay Ritter explained that SEEK is developed through a consensus process with the Office of the State Budget Director using multiple models and district-level inputs, and that the estimate is a projection made well before actual data are available. They emphasized that the discussion was separate from the pending education-funding lawsuit and described SEEK as one part of a much larger K-12 budget picture.
The presenters said the current SEEK estimate shows a statutory shortfall of about $14.7 million, or roughly 0.53% of the appropriation, with additional optional items that could bring the total to about $40.5 million if funds are available. They noted that prior years have sometimes produced excess funds, which are redirected according to budget language rather than automatically flowing back through SEEK. They also reviewed the main drivers of the estimate, including property assessments, average daily attendance, free lunch counts, exceptional child counts, home hospital, and limited English proficiency, and said property assessments have been especially volatile while exceptional child counts and ELL populations are difficult to predict.
Members asked about why the estimate missed on some categories, especially special education and ELL, and whether district-level changes were being monitored closely enough. The presenters said KDE does monitor special education counts and will review larger districts and districts with unusual growth, and they acknowledged that exceptional child growth has been hard to forecast. Representative Bojanowski asked about the Cloverport virtual school, and staff said its growth was much larger than projected and accounted for a significant portion of the shortfall. Members also discussed the impact of property value growth, population shifts, illness, and legislative changes on SEEK projections. No vote or formal action was taken, and the meeting ended after questions and discussion.
MO
Transcript Highlights:
- We do have a water main that terminates just outside the factory boundaries.
- The way our district bylaws are written, our policies, anyone, whether it's a homeowner, a factory, or
- We really want this factory to come to the area. We want nothing more than that.
- supply the water because it has better capability at a lower cost, which would be better for the factory
- If this factory wasn't going in, and say that was a residential subdivision, and we did serve it, the
Committee:
House Utilities
ND
North Dakota 2026 1st Special Session
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee Apr 21st, 2026
Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- There are three major attributes that you associate with microreactors: factory fabrication.
- You should be able to factory fabricate most, if not all, of a reactor in a factory.
- It needs to be factory fabricated. And then they need to be transportable.
- Whereas microreactors, the way it's been built, it's factory fabricated.
- You bring it back to the construction, or to the factory where it was built.
Committee:
Joint Advanced Nuclear Energy Committee
Summary:
The meeting was a presentation and Q&A at Idaho National Laboratory focused on the state of nuclear energy, advanced reactors, and the lab’s role in testing, regulation, and commercialization. Speakers described INL’s broader mission beyond nuclear, including cybersecurity and critical infrastructure, but emphasized its major nuclear capabilities: the Advanced Test Reactor, TREAT, the Materials and Fuels Complex, and other test beds used to accelerate fuel and materials testing. They also highlighted the lab’s size, workforce, internship pipeline, and partnerships with DOE, DHS, DOD, and private companies.
A major topic was the federal push to speed up nuclear deployment through executive orders and regulatory reform. Speakers said DOE and the NRC are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, streamlining environmental reviews, and working toward a goal of having three new nuclear systems achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. They discussed the difference between microreactors, small modular reactors, and traditional gigawatt-scale plants, arguing that advanced reactors can be factory-built, safer, and better suited for data centers, military bases, remote communities, industrial heat, and other nontraditional uses. They also said the U.S. is rebuilding its nuclear supply chain, including enrichment and fuel fabrication, and that states willing to host parts of the fuel cycle could see major economic benefits.
The speakers addressed questions about cost, safety, waste, and international competition. They said advanced reactors rely on passive safety features, TRISO fuel, and natural circulation, and that the industry’s challenge is often cost uncertainty rather than a precise fuel or materials limit. They argued used nuclear fuel should be viewed as a resource rather than waste if recycling becomes policy, and said microreactors should produce relatively small amounts of spent fuel. They also noted that China and Russia continue to build aggressively, with China on pace to surpass the U.S. in total nuclear generation, while U.S. projects such as Palisades, Crane Clean Energy Center, Duane Arnold, Oklo, Aalo, MARVEL, and Project Pele are moving forward under DOE and private-sector partnerships.