John Barrasso
Bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) would enable the processing of licenses for new nuclear reactors and advanced nuclear reactors in an effort to encourage innovation in an industry that provides electricity to millions of people.
The Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, S. 512, would also promote transparency within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and step-up the efficiency of uranium regulation.
“American nuclear energy has provided affordable, safe and reliable power for decades,” Barrasso, the chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, said. “Our bipartisan legislation will allow for innovation in the nuclear sector by simplifying regulations at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The commission needs a modern regulatory framework that is predictable and efficient. Advancements in nuclear energy development will create jobs, lower costs and contribute to America’s energy security.”
S. 512 would also promote transparency and accountability in the Department of Energy’s process for disposing of the public’s stockpile of excess uranium.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), a cosponsor of the bill and a member of the Senate EPW Committee, said the measure would help hold electricity prices in check for Nebraska families.
“It would also increase transparency at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, streamline the licensing process for advanced nuclear technology and provide relief for uranium producers by limiting government involvement in the marketplace,” Fischer said. “With this bipartisan legislation, we can strengthen America’s competitive edge and advance the benefits of nuclear technology.”
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on Thursday on the NRC’s budget development and fee recovery processes. The report concluded that NRC’s fee rule and supporting documents failed to provide information needed by stakeholders to “understand fee calculation and provide substantive comments to the agency.”
The GAO report also said that NRC “cannot effectively assess the extent to which its actions are improving transparency and timeliness” without setting performance goals and measures.
U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), a cosponsor of the bill, said, “As chairman of the Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee, I understand the importance of encouraging innovation in our nuclear sector. 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.”