(Salt Lake City, UT) — A new state law aims to develop nuclear energy in Utah through small modular reactors. HB-249 establishes a Utah Nuclear Consortium and energy development zones. Officials at the Utah Office of Energy Development noted that permitting and building a plant will take 7-to-14 years. While proponents tout the safety of the plan, some raise concerns about cost and waste. The law has garnered support for boosting energy production, particularly for attracting AI companies.