Two state legislators are on board with an effort to convince federal officials that reactors using thorium as a fuel have the potential to provide ample supplies of low-cost energy without many of the challenges of traditional nuclear power.
Reps. Terry Boose, R-Norwalk, and Andy Thompson, R-Marietta, said they plan to introduce a House Concurrent Resolution to promote research and development of energy from thorium reactors. They see it as a possible long-term solution to Ohio’s energy needs and an opportunity for manufacturers to supply components for the reactors.
The resolution will also ask the U.S. Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission to establish a method to fast-track licensing of liquid fluoride thorium reactors to be built and operated by private industry for production of energy as well as medical isotopes.
An aide to Boose told me the legislators plan to introduce the resolution this week.
