The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) said the U.S. Senate's recent passage of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, now an amendment to the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2016, indicates growing congressional support for nuclear energy.
This bill was approved on a bipartisan, near-unanimous vote, and it would direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to pursue private partnerships with innovators and allow the use of its facilities for research. DOE ialso would be directed to develop a 10-year plan to prioritize nuclear research and development toward new reactor types.
“Nuclear energy is a vital part of a national, varied approach to energy production,” Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “This vote demonstrates the commitment in the Senate to a long-term future for nuclear-power production and research opportunities.”
The U.S. House has yet to vote on a companion bill in that chamber.
This bill also would require the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to submit regular reports to Congress detailing issues within the reactor-licensing process.
The full energy bill also has bipartisan support and is scheduled to be voted on soon in the Senate.
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