The U.S. Secretary of Energy would be tasked with conducting a study on the global status of the civilian nuclear energy industry under a bipartisan bill sponsored on Feb. 14 by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA).
The Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act, H.R. 995, which Rep. Carter introduced alongside original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA), aims to bolster the United States’ nuclear energy sector and prevent the nuclear capabilities of America’s adversaries, according to a bill summary provided by the congressmen.
“With this bill, we have the opportunity to not only strengthen our own nuclear energy sector, but also expand access to American technologies and build a sustainable, reliable baseload energy grid around the globe,” Rep. Carter said. “I’m eager for Congress to take up this and other important nuclear legislation and I thank Rep. Peters for his support.”
If enacted, H.R. 995 would promote better international cooperation and assistance relating to nuclear reactors; help build nuclear regulatory organizations or legal frameworks in other nations; and counter strategic competitors like Russia and China.
Additionally, the measure would prohibit the import of fuels from Russia, China, and other adversaries and build up the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s international efforts by facilitating the issuing of licenses to import or export nuclear reactors, the summary says.
“The concrete steps outlined in this legislation, including the training of foreign nuclear energy experts and the establishment of a U.S. International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch, will ensure we remain the world’s leading developer of nuclear energy,” said Rep. Peters.
ClearPath Action supports H.R. 995, which has been referred to both the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee for consideration.