Lawmakers propose amendments on nuclear study bill, but environmental groups and tribal members still have concerns
By Griffin Beach on Thursday, February 12th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
SALEM – Lawmakers held a public hearing on House Bill 4046, a measure that would direct the Oregon Department of Energy to study the feasibility of nuclear power in the state.
Oregon law currently bans new nuclear facilities until a federal repository for high-level waste exists. While a 2025 proposal for a small modular reactor in Umatilla County failed, the new bill seeks a comprehensive review of reactor types, costs, and waste management.
The bill was amended following discussions with environmental groups, including Columbia Riverkeeper and the Sierra Club.
“I hope it shows the authentic and genuine good faith effort we’ve put into making House Bill 4046-2 as fair and as transparent as possible,” said Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo), one of the chief sponsors of the bill.
Kelly Campbell, policy director at Columbia Riverkeeper, said the amendments improve the study’s objectivity but raised concerns that the bill allows the study to be funded by private or federal sources.
“This really opens the door for private funders with a financial interest in nuclear projects to fund this study,” Campbell said. “This method of funding will not produce a report that Oregonians can believe in and rely on.”
While Levy noted feedback from constituents which includes the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Walla Walla tribal member Cathy Sampson-Kruze voiced strong opposition.
“No, to this bill and any other one that comes forward,” Sampson-Kruze said.
Proponents cited Oregon’s growing energy needs, while opponents warned of environmental hazards. A work session is scheduled for Thursday at 8 a.m.
