Bill supporting deployment of advanced nuclear reactors introduced in Senate

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee leaders introduced legislation that would support the commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.

The Fission for the Future Act (S. 3428) would prioritize communities for advanced nuclear reactors that have retiring coal or other fossil generating facilities. Also, it would require the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to support the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors and associated infrastructure. Further, it would require the Department of Energy to help states, Indian Tribes, local governments, utilities, and private entities support the development of advanced nuclear reactors.

“America must preserve and expand the use of nuclear energy. Our bipartisan legislation will assist state, local, and private stakeholders as they develop and license advanced nuclear reactors. Nuclear power is fundamental to meeting America’s energy and environmental goals. Wyoming will host TerraPower’s Natrium reactor, which will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It is designed to generate and store electricity. Our legislation will help train and prepare local workers as we look ahead to the development of more of these groundbreaking reactors. I am thankful to Chairman Manchin for his partnership on this important legislation,” U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), one of the bill’s sponsors, said. Barrasso is ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

It was also sponsored by U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), chair of the committee.

The median annual wage for a nuclear power reactor operator is $104,470. Nuclear power plants also foster a strong state and local tax base. For every 100 jobs generated by a nuclear power plant, another 66 are created in the community.