House advances energy research, innovation bill

The House of Representatives voted unanimously this week to advance the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which would provide policy direction to the Department of Energy (DOE).

Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) introduced the legislation.

The bill, H.R. 589, provides direction to the DOE on basic science research, nuclear energy research and development (R&D), research coordination and priorities, and reforms to reorganize national lab management.

“I am pleased to sponsor H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which will advance basic research and set clear science priorities for the Department of Energy,” Smith said. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will enable the development of next generation technology and promote innovation and economic growth.”

The bill provides a timeline for completing a research reactor facility and encourages the national labs, universities and the private sector to engage in joint innovation.

The legislation enables the national labs to more easily partner with the private sector and cut red tape in the DOE technology transfer process. It also includes the first comprehensive authorization of the DOE Office of Science, which will be a $6 billion dollar office that manages 10 of the national labs.

“America must maintain our nuclear capabilities, and continue to develop cutting edge technology here at home. Without the direction provided in Title IV, we’ll continue to fall further and further behind, losing the ability to develop innovative nuclear technology and be left importing next-generation reactor designs from overseas,” Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) said. “Title IV will maintain America’s capability to influence security and proliferation standards around the world as more developing nations look to nuclear energy to grow their economies.”