There has been strong bipartisan support for nuclear energy throughout the 117th Congress.
Decarbonization efforts and the clean energy transition have received heightened attention on the Hill, and hallmark pieces of legislation have demonstrated that carbon-free, always-on nuclear power is an indispensable driver of our clean energy future.
In November, Congress passed the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure package, which featured major investments in nuclear energy. The bill contained continued funding for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), a demonstration program for Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs, and support for operating nuclear plants at risk of closure.
The Build Back Better Act is still under consideration and could pass in 2022. The broadly supported climate provisions include a production tax credit (PTC) for electricity generated by nuclear power plants in operation today, as well as tax credits for all clean electricity technologies, including advanced nuclear and power uprates that begin construction after 2026. The bill also includes funding for the development of a domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) supply, a fuel which is essential to the demonstration of advanced reactors, as well as resources to support efforts such as the coal to nuclear transition.
Nuclear’s importance is also being acknowledged in other pieces of critical legislation like the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA was passed in December and recognized the role advanced nuclear will play in both our national security and climate goals. The Department of Defense will work to deploy microreactors, helping to advance these technologies into commercialization so that they can provide clean energy to remote areas.
Outside the scope of large pieces of legislation, there have also been many nuclear-specific bills introduced during this Congress. These sustained, bipartisan efforts to advance nuclear energy signal a push to meet our climate goals, while also providing jobs and stimulating local economies with new nuclear.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) sponsored the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act (ANIA), which includes programs to support currently operating nuclear plants as well as the next generation of reactors—both of which are crucial to carbon-free electricity generation.
Licensing is a critical component to accelerating the deployment of these reactors, and the Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act, a companion to the ANIA, would change the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) review process to consider barriers to microreactors and establish more efficient and effective licensing reviews. The Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act and Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act would also help streamline the NRC’s review process.
The Accelerating Nuclear Innovation through Fee Reform Act introduced in December would eliminate NRC review fees for advanced reactor license applications in an effort to accelerate innovation and catalyze private sector investment.
A streamlined regulatory process allows these reactors to be commercialized and compete as climate technologies in the marketplace. Legislation has also centered on ensuring that upon commercialization, new reactors are being built in the communities that need them most.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-W.Y.), Ranking Member of the Committee, introduced the bipartisan Fission for the Future Act that would support the commercial deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, prioritizing communities that have retiring or retired fossil fuel generation facilities.
Unlocking international markets and investments is key to maintaining US leadership in nuclear technology and ensuring new carbon-free nuclear technologies are deployed not only in our nation—but also across the world.
The Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act, which was introduced in the House by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-O.H.) and Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R-O.H.), would modernize the export process, enabling companies to compete in the global market.
Another very critical layer of support was the historic budget request for nuclear from the administration in 2021, and early this year we will look for strong funding for the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, along with a robust FY 2023 budget.
While a bipartisan coalition has boldly committed to supporting new nuclear and protecting operating plants, there is more to be done to ensure gigawatts of electricity remain on the grid and new reactors are deployed. Incentivization programs that value carbon-free energy and fund the next generation of climate technologies, such as advanced nuclear, are essential to meeting our climate goals.