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Idaho officials are expanding nuclear energy initiatives to meet increasing power demands driven by AI and data centers. The Advanced Nuclear Energy Task Force, co-chaired by Lt. Gov.

Scott Bedke, was formed to enhance nuclear capacity. Senator Jim Risch introduced the bipartisan Accelerating Reliable Capacity Act, proposing $3.6 billion in federal funding to support new commercial reactors and mitigate cost overruns through a federal insurance program.

The Idaho National Laboratory is developing small modular reactors and microreactors, with plans for the first small modular reactor to go online next year. INL also focuses on recycling spent fuel and testing advanced reactor technologies.