Executive Order 17

Erventive Department

IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE OF IOWA

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EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER SEVENTEEN

WHEREAS, the State of lowa is committed to advancing reliable and sustainable energy solutions that contribute to energy independence and drive economic growth; and

WHEREAS, nuclear energy represents a critical component of Iowa’s energy future, providing dependable baseload power while complementing our existing energy sources such as wind, solar, and natural gas; and

WHEREAS, Iowa has the opportunity to leverage its strengths in manufacturing and energy innovation to become a national leader in the development and deployment of nuclear technologies, thus ensuring long-term energy security; and

WHEREAS, the creation of lowa Nuclear Energy Task Force will provide a platform to strategies and policies that ensure the safe, efficient, and responsible deployment of nuclear energy, positioning Iowa as a leader in this sector.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, KIMBERLY K. REYNOLDS, Governor of the State of Iowa, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Iowa do hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:

Purpose and Duties

I. _ Establishment of the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force (“Task Force”) which shall advise the Governor, the General Assembly, and relevant state agencies on matters relating to the development and advancement of nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in Iowa.

Il. The duties of the Task Force shall include, but are not limited to, advising the Governor on:

a. Evaluating the state’s role in deploying and using advanced nuclear reactors;

b. Exploring opportunities to engage with the federal government to support nuclear energy development and ensure Iowa’s policies and initiatives align with national regulatory frameworks;

c. Assessing emerging technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), fusion energy, and other next-generation nuclear innovations for their suitability in Iowa’s energy sector;

d. Identifying any federal or state regulatory barriers to the deployment of nuclear reactors;

e. Engaging with industry leaders, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders to ensure that Iowa develops a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the growing nuclear energy sector; and fostering partnerships between education

II.

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institutions and the nuclear energy sector to promote technical training, career development, and apprenticeships;

f. Engaging with manufacturers and other nuclear energy stakeholders to identify barriers to entry and the partnerships and investments needed to cultivate a nuclear supply chain in Iowa;

g. Recommending best practices for safe nuclear waste management, storage, and environmental stewardship to protect Iowa’s natural resources; and

h. Evaluating opportunities to enhance economic growth in Iowa by utilizing nuclear energy.

The Task Force shall submit a report to the Governor and General Assembly within 180 days from issuance of this Executive Order, detailing its findings and making recommendations to advance nuclear energy in lowa.

Organization and Operation Membership

Members. The Task Force shall consist of at least 11 members appointed by the Governor. Members will include representatives of utilities, power production companies, local government, academia, the lowa Utilities Commission, and representatives of the General Assembly. Representatives of the General Assembly shall serve in an ex officio capacity. The Chair of the Task Force shall be designated by the Governor from among the appointed members.

Subcommittees. The Task Force may form subcommittees as necessary to focus on specific issues, such as regulatory barriers, workforce development, and environmental and safety considerations.

Meetings. The Task Force shall hold public meetings as scheduled by the chair of the Task Force.

Service as members. Each appointed member of the Task Force shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and without compensation.

Staffing and Support. Staffing and administrative assistance for the Task Force shall be provided by the lowa Economic Development Authority, and by other agencies, persons, or organizations from time to time as deemed necessary or appropriate by the Task Force or the Office of the Governor.

Implementation and Interpretation

All departments, agencies, boards, commissions, or other political subdivisions of any state and local governments shall cooperate fully with the Task Force. The Task Force may seek the expertise and services of individuals and entities outside of its membership for research, advice, and other needs, as necessary or appropriate to accomplish its mission.

All work of the Task Force shall be done in a manner consistent with laws and regulations of the State of Iowa, and of the laws and regulations of the United States of America.

This Executive Order shall be interpreted in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and shall not supersede any laws or regulations in place as of its effective

date. If any provision of this Executive Order is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or

- otherwise contrary to applicable law, then the remaining provisions of this Executive Order, as applied to any person or circumstance, shall continue in full force and effect and shall not be affected by any finding of invalidity or unenforceability.

IV. This Executive Order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, by any party against the State of Iowa, its departments, agencies, or political subdivisions, or its officers, employees, agents, or any other persons.

Wh This Executive Order shall apply prospectively only as of its effective date.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HEREUNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED AT DES MOINES, IOWA THIS FIFTH DAY OF JANUARY IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX.

ATTEST:

P. D. PATE SECRETARY OF STATE