Washington, DC – Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, today, which will modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and strengthen the U.S. nuclear energy industry.
“The United States is on the verge of a nuclear liftoff with exciting new technologies soaring towards construction,” said Jeremy Harrell, Chief Strategy Officer, ClearPath Action. “At the same time, 22 allied nations are pledging to triple nuclear energy capacity in the coming decades creating a massive opportunity for U.S. companies to lead the world. There are dozens of advanced reactor designs expected to go through the NRC licensing process by the end of this decade, and they need a modern approach to keep up with our country’s energy needs.”
The Atomic Energy Advancement Act, co-sponsored by Reps. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Diana DeGette (D-CO), combine 11 House bills, which together would modernize the licensing and environmental review processes, address NRC fees, and support international deployments.
Specifically the legislation:
- Streamlines the subsequent combined license process for new nuclear reactors on or adjacent to existing nuclear sites, including a 25-month shot clock for issuing the license.
- Creates a pilot program that would enable nuclear power purchase agreements to extend beyond 10 years, spurring new deployment and providing secure and reliable energy for critical government infrastructure.
- Directs the Secretary of Energy to update export requirements, accelerating the deployment of U.S. technologies abroad.
- Extends the expiration of the Price-Anderson Act from 2025 to 2065 to retain a framework for ensuring liability and to protect the public.
- Directs the NRC to improve the environmental review process, including the use of generic environmental impact statements, environmental assessments and categorical exclusions in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
ClearPath Action endorsed this legislation.
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ClearPath Action 501(c)(4) advocates for more clean energy innovation, modernized permitting and regulatory reform, America’s global competitiveness for manufacturing, and unlocking more American resources — solutions drawn from our friends at ClearPath. Learn more at clearpathaction.org. Follow us on Twitter: @ClearPathAction, @powellrich