NC S546

Establishes the Clean Energy Workforce Development Program within the Department of Commerce to create grants for nuclear technology and clean energy training programs at universities and community colleges, subsidize paid apprenticeships with nuclear energy employers, and provide scholarships for students pursuing nuclear engineering, electrical engineering, and energy sector skilled trades

Creates a fast-track veteran initiative to expedite training, licensure, and transition into civilian nuclear energy careers for military veterans, with priority given to those with naval or nuclear operations experience, including scholarships for relocation, tuition, certification exams, and career coaching

Prioritizes workforce development funding for economically disadvantaged students (Pell Grant recipients, SNAP/TANF recipients, first-generation college students, residents of tier one development areas) and workers displaced from coal, oil, or gas industry jobs seeking to transition to nuclear energy careers

Requires the Department of Commerce to study the feasibility of establishing Nuclear Innovation Zones in the state, examining regulatory streamlining for nuclear energy permitting, potential incentives for private-sector participation, site selection criteria, environmental safeguards, and state-backed financial mechanisms, with a report due by December 31, 2025

Reenacts and modifies Article 3J tax credits (previously repealed) to apply specifically to clean energy manufacturing, defined as manufacturing small modular reactors, reactor components, reactor modules, or nuclear fuel assemblies, with credits of 30-50% of income taxes for 3-5 years based on job creation thresholds (25-100 jobs) and investment thresholds ($1.5-5 million)