The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened on May 8, 2025, to discuss House Bill 14, which aims to promote investment in nuclear energy in Texas. The meeting highlighted the potential economic benefits of nuclear power, particularly in relation to the state's growing demand for energy from data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) industries.

Proponents of HB 14, including Glenn Hammer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, emphasized that the bill represents a significant opportunity for economic growth. Hammer noted that Texas has a history of successful investments in energy, citing a return of $28 billion from an $18 billion investment in oil and gas over the past two decades. He argued that nuclear energy could provide even greater long-term benefits, with the potential to support the energy needs of new data centers that require substantial power.

The discussion also touched on the importance of establishing infrastructure for small modular reactors, which could help stabilize the state's energy grid and support the burgeoning tech sector. Hammer pointed out that Texas is poised to lead in energy production, particularly in nuclear, to maintain its status as the energy capital of the world.

However, not all voices at the meeting were in favor of the bill. Paige Murphy Young, representing the Texas Nuclear Watchdogs, raised concerns about the safety and environmental implications of small modular reactors. She referenced studies indicating that these reactors could produce nuclear waste comparable to that of conventional reactors, challenging the notion that they are inherently safer.

The committee's discussions reflect a broader debate on the future of energy in Texas, balancing economic growth with environmental and safety considerations. As the state continues to attract significant investments in technology and energy, the outcome of HB 14 could play a crucial role in shaping Texas's energy landscape in the coming years.