Senators introduce Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act

A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) last week, which is aimed at enabling processes for licensing new reactors and modernizing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

NEIMA will develop regulatory framework for licensing advanced nuclear reactors and establish transparency and accountability measures for NRC budget and fee programs. It will also improve the efficiency of uranium regulation and improve the transparency and accountability Department of Energy process for disposing of excess uranium.
The bill was introduced by U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) joined with Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Jim Inhofe (R-OK) Cory Booker (D-NJ) Mike Crapo (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Joe Manchin (D-WV).

“As chairman of the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety subcommittee, I understand the importance of encouraging innovation in our nuclear sector,” Capito said. “I’m glad to support this bill that will help establish new processes for reactors, so we can continue growing our economy by making use of multiple energy sources, including nuclear.”

NEIMA comes on the heels of a report released last week by the Government Accountability Office, which examined NRC’s budget development and fee collection processes.