23 Feb BPC Action Senate Advanced Nuclear Statement in Energy and Environment

Advanced Nuclear Innovation Legislation Will Move the U.S. Forward on Nuclear Energy Policy

Washington, D.C. – BPC Action supports S.97, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act of 2017, which will provide a foundational understanding of what the U.S. must do to advance nuclear innovation and remain at the helm in this critical field.

Bipartisan Policy Center’s Energy Project Director Tracy Terry, and Senior Policy Analyst Sam Brinton, recently stated:

“This legislation would coordinate the efforts of the government in its role to better support and regulate advanced nuclear designs,” stated Sam Brinton. “The bill proposed an Advanced Nuclear Energy Licensing Cost-Share Program whichwill enable the critically needed licensing of developed reactor concepts similar to the successful licensing of small modular reactors.”

“The strong bipartisan nature of the Senate deliberations were evident at the hearings on the bill last Congress and BPC hopes this cooperation continues,” said Tracy Terry. “It is clear the Senate legislation would move the U.S. forward in nuclear energy policy.”

BPC Action applauds Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) for introducing this legislation.

Crapo recently remarked,

“There is bipartisan agreement in Congress that nuclear energy and nuclear research have been underutilized as a reliable, safe, clean and efficient part of our national energy portfolio.  We are working to eliminate barriers to innovation within the private sector and strengthening collaboration with our national labs to maintain American preeminence in nuclear energy.”

With the passage of the Nuclear Energy Capabilities Act in the House as a portion of H.R. 589, the Laboratory Modernization and Technology Transfer Act, BPC Action hopes Congress will quickly act on advanced nuclear legislation.

To speak with an expert or for further information please contact Justin Lee at (202) 379-1636 or at jlee@bpcaction.org.