Gov. Kim Reynolds signed an executive order Monday establishing the Iowa Nuclear Energy Task Force to advise her, the General Assembly and relevant state agencies on the development and advancement of nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in the state. The responsibilities of the task force include but are not limited to exploring opportunities to engage with the federal government to support nuclear energy development and ensure Iowa’s policies and initiatives align with national regulations and assessing emerging nuclear technologies for Iowa’s energy sector, and engaging with stakeholders to identify barriers to entry and the partnerships and investments needed to cultivate a nuclear supply chain in Iowa. The governor has appointed Iowa native Mark Nutt, director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, to serve as chair of the task force. “With our strong foundation in manufacturing and energy innovation, we are uniquely positioned to lead the nation in developing and deploying nuclear technologies,” Reynolds said in a news release. The executive order requires the task force to submit its final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the governor within 180 days of the order’s issuance. 

Other task force members include: 

• May Farlinger: Alliant, president of Alliant Energy Iowa. 
• Mike Fehr: MidAmerican, senior vice president of generation and development. 
• Lane Witten: NextEra, vice president of development. 
• Brandy Zumbach Meisheid: Linn County Board of Supervisors, chair. 
• Jim McCalley: Iowa State University, Anson Marston Distinguished Professor and Jack London chair in power systems engineering. 
• Sarah Martz: Iowa Utilities Commission, chair. 
• Matt Resor: IBEW Local 405, business manager. 
• Andy Roberts: Iowa State Building & Construction Trades, president; Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union 33, business manager. 
• Sen. Mike Klemish: Iowa Senate, Majority Leader. 
• Rep. David Young: Iowa House of Representatives, chair of commerce committee.
• Rep. Hans Wilz: Iowa House of Representatives, member of commerce committee.
• Sen. Izaah Knox: Iowa Senate, ranking member of commerce committee.
• Rep. Sean Bagniewski: Iowa House of Representatives, Minority Whip.