Reps. Lamb, Newhouse introduce bill to expand nuclear power research

U.S. Reps. Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced legislation recently that would expand research programs at the U.S. Department of Energy for commercial nuclear reactors.

The bill – the Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act (H.R. 6097) – seeks to found research that would extend the lifespan of nuclear facilities as lower the price of electricity through nuclear energy. Further, it looks to encourage the development of new, advanced nuclear reactor designs and fund training programs for the next generation of engineers.

“We need nuclear energy now, and we will need it in the future. This bill helps us save today’s jobs and create more for tomorrow,” Lamb said. “Western Pennsylvania has been a leader providing clean electricity through nuclear power, at places like Beaver Valley and Westinghouse, and this bipartisan bill shows that we plan to continue.”

The legislation is scheduled for markup by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Energy Subcommittee on Thursday, March 12.

“As the United States continues to lead in reducing carbon emissions, nuclear energy will play a critical role,” Newhouse said. “Key investments in this bill will create a strong pathway forward for nuclear research and innovation and will create jobs in communities like ours in Central Washington.”