During today's meeting of the State Budget Committee, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) sought $20 million to buy land for Oklo Inc.'s $1.5 billion medical isotope production project in Boone County. It was unclear from the delayed agenda or the documentation provided by the agency whether the project could advance the possible construction of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR). Concerns about a lack of transparency arise from an agreement between the IEDC and Oklo Inc., which appears to permit the generation of nuclear energy.
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement about today's proceedings:
"The IEDC’s actions at today’s meeting showed a complete disregard for Hoosier taxpayers. The lying and secrecy at the LEAP District continue. Indiana Republicans have given the IEDC a blank check, keeping taxpayers on the hook for over $1 billion and counting. The IEDC's lies of omission today about the Oklo partnership and a potential nuclear site are a gross overreach of power by a single government agency. Rest assured, I will continue to seek answers from the IEDC, especially about this potential nuclear project."