Governor Abbott Champions $350 Million Nuclear Energy Push to Lead U.S. Power Renaissance

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) hailed the passage of House Bill 14, a sweeping measure aimed at establishing the state as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy. The bill, which received bipartisan support in the Legislature, will create the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and invest $350 million into the sector, marking the largest state commitment to nuclear power in the nation.

“Texas is the energy capital of the world, and this legislation will position Texas at the forefront of America's nuclear renaissance,” Governor Abbott said in a statement. “This initiative will also strengthen Texas’ nuclear manufacturing capacity, rebuild a domestic fuel cycle supply chain, and train the future nuclear workforce.”

HB 14 is a cornerstone of Abbott’s broader plan, unveiled last year, to diversify the state’s energy portfolio and reduce dependence on intermittent sources like wind and solar. The bill’s passage comes amid renewed national interest in nuclear energy as a low-emission, reliable power source capable of meeting increasing energy demands and grid stability challenges.

Key provisions in the bill include funding for advanced nuclear reactor development, investment in fuel processing infrastructure, and new training pipelines through state universities and technical colleges. Lawmakers say the bill will also help revitalize America’s domestic uranium supply chain, reducing reliance on foreign sources.

“By jumpstarting next-generation nuclear development and deployment, we are making a generational investment in the future of reliable, clean power,” Abbott said. He added that the legislation supports both energy security and long-term economic development across Texas.

Supporters argue the bill not only enhances the state’s grid resilience but also positions Texas as a global leader in advanced nuclear technology, a sector that has faced decades of underinvestment.

Abbott is expected to sign HB 14 into law in the coming days. Once enacted, the state will begin laying the groundwork for its advanced nuclear infrastructure, with deployment expected to begin later this decade.