NEIMA passage garners industry feedback

Congress passed the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) in late December, eliciting a series of responses from industry professionals and organizations.

Officials said the bill, which is awaiting the president’s signature, provides the public greater insight regarding the manner in which the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) develops its budget and recovers its costs through fees, requiring the NRC to establish metrics and milestones for licensing and other regulatory actions.

“NEIMA is a significant, positive step toward reform of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission fee collection process,” Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, said. “This legislation establishes a more equitable and transparent funding structure which will benefit all operating reactors and future licensees.”

Lawmakers said the bill also directs the NRC to establish a pilot project to provide uranium producers predictable fees for routine licensing matters.

“Passage of NEIMA is a big win for the nation and the men and women of the U.S. nuclear community,” Marilyn Kray, president-elect and current vice president of the American Nuclear Society, said. “By reforming outdated laws, NRC will now be able to invest more freely in advanced nuclear research and development and licensing activities.”

Nuclear Innovation Alliance officials said the bill includes fee reforms and modernization requirements that will enhance the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s capability to efficiently and thoroughly review advanced designs.