House advances two bills to support construction of neutron reactor, study of radiation impacts

The House advanced twin measures linked to nuclear energy last week, with one meant to support construction of a fast neutron research reactor and one supporting increased research of health effects caused by low-dose radiation.

H.R. 4378 and 7675 have both received support from the Nuclear Energy Institute, which has pushed for speedy enactment of both bills, supposing they first pass the Senate and the president. In the case of the former–colloquially known as the Nuclear Energy Research Infrastructure Act–construction would be authorized for a fast neutron research reactor, so as to provide the domestic sector with fast neutron irradiation capabilities and the potential development of new reactor and fuel designs, as well as fuel and performance studies.

“This research reactor, a Versatile Neutron Source, is critical for the development of advanced reactor designs, materials, and nuclear fuels,” U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), the bill’s sponsor, said. “This type of research requires access to fast neutrons, which are currently only available for civilian research in Russia.”

The reactor as proposed would go online by Dec. 31, 2025.

Its partner bill was created by U.S. Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS). Known as the Low Dose Radiation Research Act of 2017, it would require the Department of Energy to research low dose radiation, supplementing existing research on the harmful effects of high-dose radiation.

“As it stands today, there are few measurements or studies seeking to understand low-dose radiation’s effects,” Marshall said. “This absence of evidence does not give the medical community or government regulators the ability to accurately assess and make the very best decisions for their patients.”

NEI’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Beverly Marshall, noted that both bills would be good for the industry. While the reactor has the potential help researchers find ways to domestically improve performance at nuclear power plants, the radiation research could better shape policies and safety going forward, in her estimation.