Energy and water appropriations bill includes increased funding for nuclear energy programs
Last Thursday, the Senate passed the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, the first appropriation bill of 2016, with a 90-8 vote, showing strong support from both parties.
The bill includes increased funding from 2015 levels to the Department of Energy for its nuclear energy program, providing significant investments in advanced reactor technologies and small modular reactors, as well as funds for the second license renewal of existing reactors.
“The nuclear industry commends the Senate and particularly Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander and Subcommittee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein for recognizing the important role nuclear energy plays in meeting our nation’s electricity needs, protecting the environment, and preserving the energy diversity that is the strength of the U.S. electricity supply system,” the Nuclear Energy Institute’s Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs Alex Flint said.
The provision of $189.5 million for the development of reactor technologies exceeds the Obama administration’s budget request by $26.4 million, while an additional $5 million supplies the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission with resources for the development of a regulatory infrastructure for advanced reactor design certification.
In an effort to improve transparency, the bill places caps on corporate expenditures and implements reforms to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s safety policies.
