🔴Relating to support for the development of the nuclear energy industry.

HB 14

🔴 HB 14: Public Grants, Private Energy, No Oversight

What it says it does:
HB 14 creates a new state office to support advanced nuclear energy development. It promises job creation, clean power, and greater grid reliability by funding small modular reactor projects.

What it actually changes:
The bill places nuclear energy strategy and funding inside the Governor’s office. It allows up to 200 million dollars per project in direct public grants to private companies. There is no competitive bidding. There is no public scoring. All grant applications are exempt from public records.

Who is pushing for it:
Supporters include the Texas Nuclear Alliance, Nuclear Energy Institute, BASF, Dow, Vistra, Constellation, Entergy, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Texas Chemistry Council, Texas Public Policy Foundation, and other utility and manufacturing interests.

Who benefits:
Private nuclear developers, chemical manufacturers, large utility companies, and trade groups with lobbying access to the Capitol. These groups gain direct access to state money with few conditions and limited oversight.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Texans who want transparency on how their money is spent. Local communities with no input on site selection. Small energy innovators without insider connections. Taxpayers funding long-term liabilities with short-term grants.

Why this matters long term:
HB 14 creates a precedent where large amounts of public money can be handed out with no audit, no public review, and no budget debate. It shifts control of energy infrastructure and economic strategy into a politically appointed office, far from public input.

What to watch next:
Other industries could follow this model. Future bills may create similar offices for broadband, artificial intelligence, or carbon capture. If this structure spreads, public money could be rerouted into private pipelines without open hearings or legislative checks.

Bottom line:
HB 14 is not just about energy. It is about how political insiders gain control over public money while cutting the public out of the process.