Advanced nuclear reactor bill passes House
The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation by voice vote this week to direct the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) on the licensing and development of new nuclear reactors.
The Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act, H.R. 4979, will require the DOE to provide regular updates to the House Energy and Commerce Committee on projects related to the testing and demonstration of advanced reactors on federal sites and establishes guidelines for the development of advanced reactor design licensing by 2019.
“Nuclear power must play a significant role in American energy policy for our nation to become truly energy secure, and the future of the nuclear industry needs to start now,” U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH) said. “It is imperative that we develop the right regulatory framework so advanced nuclear technologies can be developed, licensed, and constructed here in the United States. The Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act will help the U.S. remain a leader in the nuclear industry and continue to develop clean, reliable power.”
Latta and Jerry McNerney (D-CA), cosponsors of the bill, expressed confidence in the co-operative efforts between NRC and DOE to ensure that the U.S. continues to develop, license and construct advanced nuclear 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.
