U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) on Nov. 8 sponsored legislation that would boost nuclear commerce in the United States.
The Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act, H.R. 6303, aims to make it easier for American entrepreneurs and innovators to compete with civilian nuclear technology across the globe, according to the congressman.
“Nuclear is here to stay,” Rep. Johnson said. “Other countries — such as China and Russia know this — and America can’t continue to fall behind when it comes to this vital, clean energy source.”
The congressman said in a statement released on Nov. 9 that H.R. 6303 would cut through bureaucratic red tape to allow for investment in American civilian nuclear technology at home and abroad while maintaining non-proliferation protections.
In addition, H.R. 6303 would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to prepare for the next generation of American nuclear innovation in small modular reactors, advanced manufacturing, and innovative non-electric uses of nuclear power, said Rep. Johnson.
“I hear from our Democrat colleagues constantly about the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions to avoid the global climate catastrophe,” he said. “To do this, they want to abandon traditional energy sources and rush to green in order to power our country with weather-dependent renewables.
“This fantasy just isn’t going to work,” added Rep. Johnson. “I share the goal of more abundant, cleaner energy, but it cannot be accomplished without preserving our current nuclear fleet, as well as continuing to expand the next generation of nuclear power. The only large-scale, reliable, base-load, carbon-free electricity source is nuclear power.”
If enacted, H.R. 6303 also would require the U.S. Energy Secretary to develop and submit a report to Congress on America’s nuclear commerce within 180 days from the bill’s enactment date, according to the text of the bill.
Among several requirements, the report, which would be developed with several other federal partners, must include an assessment of legal and regulatory requirements, policies, and commercial practices in the nation’s nuclear industry, associated costs, and their impact on related domestic and international commerce, says H.R. 6303.
“America’s energy dominance must be preserved at all costs; the fate of our country depends upon it. And that must include support for America’s homegrown nuclear industry,” Rep. Johnson said. “The Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act does just that, and I encourage all members of the House to support this common-sense and much-needed legislation.”