Two state lawmakers serving communities in and near the Tri-Cities are hoping the state will take advantage of the U.S. Department of Energy’s efforts to establish sites around the country that support all aspects of the nuclear industry, from fuel production to waste storage. 

State Reps. Stephanie Barnard, R-Pasco, and Mark Klicker, R-Walla Walla, recently introduced House Joint Memorial 4016, which formally requests Gov. Bob Ferguson direct state agencies to prepare a competitive response to DOE’s call for Nuclear Lifecycle Campuses.  

The legislation asks the state to outline a clear plan that leverages the unique strengths of the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas, including workforce readiness and existing supply chains. 

“This is a race, and Washington needs to get in the running,” Barnard said in a statement. “We have the most talented nuclear workforce in the country right in our backyard. But talent follows opportunity. If we don’t signal that we are open for business and ready to host these advanced facilities, that investment and those jobs will go to states that are hungrier for them.” 

HJM 4016 has been referred to the House Technology, Economic Development, and Veterans Committee. 

DOE is already looking to Hanford site facilities as potential resources for growing the nuclear power industry. It recently announced a partnership with nuclear company General Matter to lease the Fuels and Materials Examination Facility, or FMEF, a currently unused facility not far from Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station.