Diablo Canyon advocacy, Midwest nuclear legislation among April state news items

April 30, 2026, 9:26AMNuclear News
A whale swims off the coast by Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. (Image: PG&E)

Pending, passed, and coveted legislation involving nuclear energy made their way across multiple state capitol buildings in the month of April. Here are a few notable updates from California, Iowa, Kentucky, and Missouri.

NRC shares Duane Arnold restart progress at public hearing

April 16, 2026, 10:12AMNuclear News
Duane Arnold nuclear power plant. (Photo: NextEra Energy)

The communities in and around Duane Arnold had a chance on Tuesday evening to hear from Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials on the progress to restart Iowa’s only nuclear power plant in early 2029.

Licensing, inspections and assessments, the noticing process, and the role of the restart panel were among the topics discussed at the public meeting, which was held in Cedar Rapids, Ia., with an option for virtual attendance.

NextEra considers new nuclear, progresses on restart

January 28, 2026, 12:22PMNuclear News
The Duane Arnold nuclear power plant before its 2020 shutdown. (Photo: NextEra)

On a call with investors this week, NextEra announced that it is considering new nuclear development at its existing sites, as well as projects at greenfield sites.

As the company eyes new development, work on the restart of Duane Arnold hit another milestone this month, with Linn County approving the project’s rezoning application.

NextEra and Google ink a deal to restart Duane Arnold

October 28, 2025, 3:00PMNuclear News
The Duane Arnold nuclear power plant before its shutdown. (Photo: NextEra)

A day anticipated by many across the nuclear community has finally arrived: NextEra Energy has officially announced its plans to restart Iowa’s only nuclear power plant, the Duane Arnold Energy Center.

NextEra files with NRC for potential Duane Arnold restart

January 28, 2025, 12:01PMNuclear News
The Duane Arnold nuclear power plant, in Iowa. (Photo: NextEra Energy)

Iowa’s lone nuclear plant may soon see new life as NextEra Energy takes a step toward relicensing the Duane Arnold nuclear power plant.