Atomic Energy Advancement: Streamlining Licensing and Boosting Nuclear Deployment.
This Act aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies by making the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing process more efficient, timely, and predictable. For citizens, this means potentially faster access to new, reliable, and clean energy sources, while also strengthening financial protection in the event of a nuclear incident by significantly increasing liability limits. The law also enhances the NRC's ability to hire specialized experts to ensure safe and effective oversight of these complex new technologies.
Key points
Faster Licensing: The NRC must streamline licensing procedures for new reactors, including micro-reactors and facilities built on former fossil fuel sites, aiming to reduce review times significantly.
Increased Financial Protection: The Price-Anderson Act (nuclear liability framework) is extended until 2065, and the financial liability limit for a nuclear incident is quadrupled from $500 million to $2 billion.
Fee Reduction for Innovators: Licensing fees for companies developing advanced reactors are reduced by excluding certain overhead costs, encouraging investment in new clean energy technologies.
National Security Measures: New controls are established to prohibit the use of nuclear fuel fabricated by entities controlled by the governments of Russia or China if deemed a threat to U.S. national security.
2024-02-29
For
365
Against
36
Abstain
1
Full voting results
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Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_6544
Sponsor: Rep. Duncan, Jeff [R-SC-3]
Process start date: 2023-12-01
Voting date: 2024-02-29
Meeting no: 2
Voting no: 55