New Nuclear Legislation in 2017

H.R.1320, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy (NUKE) Act, sponsored by Congressmen Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Mike Doyle (D-PA), aims to implement a framework for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) fees to increase transparency and provide long-term certainty for nuclear plants. It would also provide greater transparency and certainty in the licensing process for new plants, and calls for reports on other issues facing the nuclear energy industry. It would also require the NRC to begin a rule-making process on decommissioning.

S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA), sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Joe Manchin (D-WV), seeks to promote innovation in the nuclear sector by enabling processes for licensing new reactors. This legislation would modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by establishing new transparency and accountability measures to the commission's budget and fee programs. The bill also looks to develop the regulatory framework necessary to enable the licensing of advanced nuclear reactors and improve the efficiency of uranium regulation.

NEIMA will have a hearing in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee March 8 at 10:00 am EST.