The House of Representatives has recently approved bipartisan legislation aimed at encouraging the growth of nuclear energy in the United States. The Atomic Energy Advancement Act, also known as HR 6544, received overwhelming support with a vote of 365-36 and is now headed for the Senate.
The United States has seen a significant decline in domestic production of uranium over the years. In 1980, the country produced and processed 90 percent of the uranium used by nuclear power plants. However, in 2021, only 5 percent of the uranium used by the 55 operating nuclear power plants was produced domestically. This legislation seeks to address this issue and promote the development of carbon-free nuclear power.
The bill aims to trim regulations, streamline permitting timelines and costs, and promote evolving technologies such as small modular reactors (SMR). It is designed to enable efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and development of nuclear energy technologies. The goal is to return the nation to global prominence in developing and producing nuclear power.
The legislation includes several proposed bills that address various aspects of nuclear energy development. One of these bills is the “NRC Mission Alignment Act,” which requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to elevate efficiency in regulation while maintaining safety standards. The bill directs the NRC to update its mission statement to ensure efficient and non-limiting regulation of nuclear energy activities.
Another bill included in the package is the “Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act,” which aims to improve the licensing review process for future nuclear projects. This bill establishes updated procedures and timelines for reviewing nuclear licensing applications. The goal is to expedite environmental reviews and reduce duplicative efforts.
The legislation also emphasizes the importance of nuclear power in America’s energy profile and reducing dependence on foreign countries like Russia and China for nuclear technology or fuel. By promoting domestic nuclear energy production, the bill seeks to enhance energy security and create jobs in industries associated with advanced reactors.
One of the highlights of the legislation is its incentives for the development of small modular reactors and fusion energy. The bill includes acts such as the “Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act” and the “Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act” that encourage the advancement of these technologies. Fusion energy, in particular, is seen as a game-changer that could provide clean energy without resource limitations or emissions.
Representatives from both sides of the aisle have praised the bill for its potential to boost America’s nuclear industry. They believe that a robust and growing nuclear industry is critical for reducing emissions, providing reliable and affordable clean energy, and restoring America’s nuclear dominance. While the bill is not perfect and compromises had to be made, lawmakers are optimistic about finding a path forward to get the bill to the President’s desk.
The Atomic Energy Advancement Act now awaits approval from the Senate. Although there is currently no companion measure in the Senate, it is expected that the bill will be quickly approved by the senior chamber. The passage of this legislation could mark the beginning of a nuclear renaissance in the United States, paving the way for a future of clean and sustainable energy.
