House passes energy bill to advance nuclear technology

The House of Representative unanimously passed the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016, H.R. 4979, on Monday to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enhance advanced nuclear regulatory framework.

The legislation, proposed by U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA), would require the NRC to create the regulatory framework necessary for safe, advanced nuclear energy technologies.

“The next generation of the nuclear industry needs to start now, with Congress ensuring that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is able to provide the certainty that the private sector needs to invest in innovative technologies,” Latta said. “It is time for Congress to ensure that NRC provides a framework so that innovators and investors can prepare to apply for licensing. Passing this legislation is key to ensure that the United States remains a leader in the nuclear industry.”

The bill would also require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the NRC to collaborate as appropriate to further develop advanced nuclear technologies through technical expertise and cooperative facility usage.

“This bill will help provide certainty for innovators and entrepreneurs who are seeking to develop and license the next generation of nuclear technologies,” U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) said. “We should ensure that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the expertise and resources to review and license the latest in advanced reactor technologies and this bill does just that.”