President Joe Biden is poised to sign into law a bipartisan energy package that includes a bill cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) to hasten the development of commercial fusion energy, which could produce abundant clean electricity.
The U.S. Senate on June 18 voted 88-2 to pass the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, S. 870, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May by a vote of 393-13. The comprehensive energy package now heads to Biden, who is expected to enact it.
The larger bill contains Sen. Young’s Fusion Energy Act of 2024, S. 4151, which he introduced on April 17 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) to codify the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) regulatory authority over commercial fusion energy systems in an effort to accelerate advanced nuclear technology development while preserving existing nuclear generation.
“I am pleased the Senate passed this important bill to help advance fusion energy, which has the potential to usher in a new era of energy production in America,” Sen. Young said.
The goal, according to a summary of Sen. Young’s S. 4151, is to streamline the creation of clear federal regulations to support the development of commercial production facilities.
“By establishing a clear regulatory framework, our legislation would improve the research and development of fusion capabilities, enabling commercialization and reaffirming American leadership in innovation and technology,” said Sen. Young.
Once enacted, Sen. Young’s legislation also will require the NRC to study and report to Congress within one year regarding licensing commercial fusion machines, including streamlining considerations, the summary says.
“Fusion energy holds the potential to power the entire country with a sustainable supply of nearly unlimited, reliable, and carbon-free electricity,” added Sen. Padilla.
The sweeping S. 870 — formerly the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act — also seeks to promote U.S. nuclear leadership, bolster national security measures, and enhance regulatory efficiency to support new nuclear deployment, among numerous other provisions.