The Hubbell Environmental Law Initiative is proud to partner with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to host an event series examining the proposed restart of the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo, Iowa. Held October 26 and 27, the events brought together community members, local leaders, researchers, industry representatives, and environmental advocates to explore the regulatory, economic, environmental, and community considerations surrounding the restart.

The Duane Arnold Energy Center, located in neighboring Linn County, is Iowa's only commercial nuclear power plant, and one of three nuclear restarts currently being revamped across the United States. After more than 45 years of operation, the facility shut down in August 2020 following damage from the derecho storm. NextEra Energy is now pursuing a restart, supported by a 25-year power purchase agreement with Google, with plans to resume operations in early 2029, pending regulatory approvals.

As interest in nuclear energy grows nationwide, Duane Arnold is among a small number of previously closed U.S. nuclear facilities pursuing a return to operation. This event series provided opportunities to examine what this process means for Iowa's energy future and the communities surrounding the facility.

Community voices in the Duane Arnold nuclear restart process

On October 26, HELI and NRDC convened a small, invitation-only community listening session at the Cedar Rapids Downtown Library. The gathering brought together individuals representing local government, labor, environmental advocacy, public health, housing, infrastructure, science, and community organizations to share perspectives on the Duane Arnold restart.

Facilitated by Brandi Janssen of the Environmental Health Sciences Research Center's Community Engagement Core, the conversation focused on what participants were hearing from the communities they live in, work with, or represent around Palo, Iowa.

Participants were invited to identify questions, concerns, potential benefits, and community priorities associated with the restart. The discussion also explored what information, resources, and opportunities for participation might help surrounding communities remain informed and engaged as the regulatory process moves forward.

The listening session emphasized constructive dialogue among individuals with differing perspectives, recognizing that community members may have distinct experiences and priorities. The gathering also provided an opportunity to consider how relationships and community engagement can continue beyond the immediate restart process.

The return of nuclear: Duane Arnold, energy security, and Iowa's energy future

On October 27, HELI and NRDC hosted a public panel discussion at the University of Iowa College of Law examining the legal, regulatory, economic, and community dimensions of restarting the Duane Arnold Energy Center. 

The panel brought together three speakers offering different perspectives on the restart:

• Ray Wheaton, Director of Restart Operations at NextEra Energy, opened the discussion by reviewing the history of the Duane Arnold nuclear plant. Wheaton walked listeners through what the plant needs operationally to reopen during the planned 2026 to 2029 revamp period, focusing on building up work personnel and restoring the damaged facility from the derecho storm. 
• The Senior Director of Data & Policy Analysis at the NRDC, Mathew McKinzie, examined the regulatory processes of nuclear facilities and all the approvals needed for the facility to be cleared for reopening. McKinzie provided an overview of the regulatory processes at the local, state, and federal levels, highlighting opportunities where the public can participate in decision-making. 
• Charlie Nichols, the Director of Planning and Development for Linn County, then turned the focus toward the impacts the facilities have on the surrounding communities and how the original plant closure resulted in significant economic impacts for the county. Nichols also touched on the possible benefits the host community could see following the Duane Arnold restart, including community development and planning considerations.

Together, the panelists explored the opportunities, challenges, and tradeoffs associated with restarting Duane Arnold, while helping attendees better understand the regulatory process and its implications for Iowa's energy future.

Behind the scenes: Touring the Duane Arnold Energy Center

In addition to the two events, HELI joined representatives from NRDC and NextEra Energy for a tour of the Duane Arnold Energy Center near Palo. The visit provided a firsthand look at Iowa's only commercial nuclear power plant and an opportunity to learn more about the facility, its history, and the preparations underway for its proposed restart.

The tour offered another opportunity to connect environmental law and energy policy discussions with the practical and technical considerations involved in restarting a nuclear facility.

Connecting with communities on pressing environmental issues

The Duane Arnold Energy Center event series is HELI's inaugural community collaboration partnership with NRDC. Through this collaboration, HELI and NRDC sought to encourage informed public discussion, strengthen connections among stakeholders, and explore how communities can meaningfully engage in complex energy decisions. 

HELI extends its thanks to NRDC for its partnership, to the community members and organizations who participated in our conversations, and to panelists Ray Wheaton, Matthew McKinzie, and Charlie Nichols for sharing their expertise during the public event.

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