The General Assembly finds and declares that it is the policy of the State to encourage the development of clean, carbon–free nuclear power, including development through innovative designs. The Maryland Energy Administration, in coordination with the Commission and the Department of Natural Resources, shall pursue: cost–sharing agreements with neighboring states in the PJM region to mitigate the risks of developing new nuclear energy generating stations; and agreements with federal agencies regarding the siting of small modular reactors: on federal land; or on or near federal facilities, including military and national security installations. On or before December 1, 2026, the Maryland Energy Administration shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on: the status of the efforts made under subsection (b) of this section, including an assessment of any opportunities to participate with other states, federal agencies, and public or private partners in a multistate procurement of new nuclear energy technology; and an evaluation and status of the nuclear energy procurement process established under Subtitle 12, Part III of this title.