President Trumps Signs Legislation Calling for a More Innovative Nuclear Energy Program

President Trump recently signed the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act into law. The legislation calls for several changes to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) licensing process for nuclear reactors. The goal of the legislation is to encourage innovation in the design of advanced nuclear power plants.

Under this legislation, the NRC is also required to develop a new regulatory framework by the end of 2024 that fosters increased technological innovation in the advanced nuclear reactor program. The Department of Energy is also mandated to provide cost sharing grants to license applicants to help fund the NRC review fees.

The Senate version of the bill, S. 512 the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act was authored by Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) and passed the House by an overwhelming majority. The House version of the bill, H.R. 1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy, authored by Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-Il) and Mike Doyle (D-PA) also passed the House with a majority.

“Nuclear continues to be a reliable, safe, emissions-free energy source, and must be part of an ‘all-of-the-above’ American energy strategy,” House Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden said in a statement. “This bipartisan legislation gives our nuclear regulators the flexibility they need to bring new, safe reactors online, while also protecting ratepayers who pay for regulatory costs of nuclear energy. I applaud Rep. Kinzinger for his dedication to putting consumers first and encouraging greater investment for the next generation of nuclear power.”

To view the legislation in full, click here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/512