Utah Rep. Watkins Discusses Energy Developments in Legislative Session

Watkins provides updates on state plans to purchase East Carbon Coke Ovens, PacifiCorp's sale of Washington service area, and new nuclear and geothermal energy initiatives.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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In an interview, Utah State Representative Christine Watkins recapped the 2026 legislative session so far, focusing on key energy developments across the state. Watkins discussed the state's plan to purchase the East Carbon Coke Ovens, PacifiCorp's $1.9 billion sale of its Washington service area to Portland General Electric, a bill to study the feasibility of geothermal energy at existing coal plants, and the arrival of a new nuclear reactor from Valar Atomics in Orangeville.

Why it matters

Watkins' updates provide insight into Utah's evolving energy landscape, as the state navigates a transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable and nuclear alternatives. The legislative actions and private sector investments highlighted could have significant implications for the state's energy future and economy.

The details

Watkins said the state's plan to purchase the East Carbon Coke Ovens is progressing, with a presentation to the executive appropriations committee scheduled for this week. She also discussed PacifiCorp's $1.9 billion sale of its Washington service area to Portland General Electric, noting that the Utah legislature had previously blocked the utility from billing customers in the state for costs related to wildfires in other states. Watkins also spoke about HB401, a bill that would direct the Office of Energy Development to study the feasibility of developing geothermal energy facilities at existing coal plants. Additionally, she highlighted the arrival of Valar Atomics' new nuclear reactor in Orangeville, praising the company for delivering on its timeline.

  • The 2026 general session of the Utah State Legislature has passed its midway point.
  • Watkins and the legislature will present before the executive appropriations committee on Wednesday and Thursday nights this week.
  • Watkins expects to have a definitive answer on the East Carbon Coke Ovens purchase by next week.
  • Valar Atomics' Ward250 nuclear reactor arrived in Orangeville, Utah on Sunday.

The players

Rep. Christine Watkins

A Utah State Representative who joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss energy developments in the state during the 2026 legislative session.

PacifiCorp

A utility company that is selling its Washington state service area to Portland General Electric for $1.9 billion.

Valar Atomics

A company that has delivered its Ward250 nuclear reactor to Orangeville, Utah as part of a new energy initiative in the state.

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What they’re saying

“It's very positive so far. I'm hearing really good things. It has not been finalized. We present before the executive appropriations committee on Wednesday and Thursday nights to all of the appropriation committees. And then after that, the executive appropriation committee decides the ones that will be funded and which ones won't.”

— Rep. Christine Watkins (KOAL News)

“They're actually going to sell the Washington state service area to Portland General Electric for $1.9 billion. And the reason that's so important for us here in Utah is that, as a legislature, we stood up to PacifiCorp and said, 'You cannot bill the constituents or customers in Utah for the fires, the damage, or the costs of the fires in Washington state, Oregon, or California.' So, we really dug our heels in the ground and said we're just not going to let you do this.”

— Rep. Christine Watkins (KOAL News)

“There could possibly be geothermal energy that could be used. And the question was asked, why aren't we doing this? Well, let's do the research, let's see if it's a possibility, and if it's not, then we leave it alone.”

— Rep. Christine Watkins (KOAL News)

“This is something that I'm so impressed with, because when I went to the groundbreaking where they were going to build their building, they said, 'This is our timeline. We're going to get this ready here in Orangeville, and it's being built in California. We will fly it out here. This is going to happen in February.'”

— Rep. Christine Watkins (KOAL News)

“I've been up here long enough that we've had companies come and say, 'We're going to do this by this time, and it's going to be great, and we're going to save everybody,' and nothing ever happens. These guys have really followed through with what they said they were going to do.”

— Rep. Christine Watkins (KOAL News)

What’s next

The executive appropriations committee will decide which energy initiatives will be funded after Watkins and the legislature present this week.

The takeaway

Utah is actively pursuing a diverse energy strategy, exploring renewable options like geothermal as well as advanced nuclear technology, while also holding utility companies accountable for costs related to natural disasters. These legislative actions and private sector investments signal the state's commitment to transitioning its energy landscape.