Bipartisan Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act introduced

The Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act – H.R. 4084 – was recently introduced to direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize research and development infrastructure that would allow private sector investment in advanced reactor technologies.

The bill, introduced by House Science, Space and Technology Energy Subcommittee Chairman Randy Weber (R-TX), Full Committee Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX), would provide a clear path forward in the effort to attract private investment for the development of prototypes at DOE labs.

“Whether it is for electricity generation, medical applications, national security, or space exploration, America cannot afford to lose our nuclear engineers, researchers and technology developers,” Smith said. “The Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act promotes cutting edge nuclear technology and helps maintain America’s global leadership in this critical field.”

The legislation is aimed at accelerating development of advanced nuclear technologies that would be safer, less expensive, more efficient and would produce less waste than current nuclear reactors.

“Nuclear power currently plays a pivotal role in providing our country with reliable energy,” Johnson said. “As a nation, it produces almost 20 percent of our total electric power, and it provides almost nine percent of the electricity generated in the great state of Texas – all with essentially no greenhouse gas emissions. This bill will ensure that innovators at our national labs, universities, and in the private sector have the tools they need for nuclear energy to play a key role in enabling our nation’s clean energy future.”