On April 13, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced that the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC) is committing $15 million to a new venture capital initiative designed to attract high-tech Israeli startups to Indiana. The investment is part of the "Iron Nation–Indiana" partnership, a $60+ million initiative aimed at creating a "strategic bridge" to connect Israeli technology firms with Indiana's industrial and research ecosystem. The funding will come from the IEDC’s 21st Century Research and Technology Fund.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have each signed legislation this month that advances nuclear energy development within their states. Beshear signed Senate Bill (SB 57), which creates the state’s Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program, which aims to position Kentucky as a competitive site for advanced nuclear technology, such as small modular reactors (SMRs); while Sherrill signed Senate Bill (S) 3870/ Assembly Bill (A)4528, which removes a permitting hurdle that has created a de facto moratorium on nuclear power in the state for decades, and launches the state’s new Nuclear Task Force, both of which will work to advance New Jersey’s pursuit of nuclear energy.
Maine lawmakers have passed a bipartisan moratorium on the construction of new data centers, as the state studies the environmental and economic impact of massive construction projects and their energy and water demands. The measure also bars state and local agencies from accepting an application or issuing a permit for the development of data centers with an energy load of more than 20 megawatts of power before November 2027. Additionally, it establishes the Maine Data Center Coordination Council within the Department of Energy Resources to study the risks and potential of data centers, with an emphasis on protecting electric ratepayers and maintaining electric grid reliability. Gov. Janet Mills is reportedly undecided on whether she will sign the measure.
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently proposed the MASS Wins Act, a new economic development proposal that reflects a changing economic landscape and the need for continued, strategic investment in key industries such as artificial intelligence, quantum, climatetech, defense, and robotics. The proposal includes $100 million for defense sector innovation to support infrastructure, research and supply chain development across national security technologies; $75 million to expand the application of artificial intelligence across key industries and invest in emerging technologies like quantum computing; an additional $25 million is for Massachusetts’ robotics cluster; and $25 million provides capital support for companies expanding or constructing facilities in the state. The proposal also advances grid innovation and streamlines approvals for climatetech deployment.