Duncan Introduces Major, Comprehensive, Bi-Partisan Nuclear Energy Reforms

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will consider legislation that fulfills the Committee’s obligation to deliver affordable, reliable, and clean energy to all Americans. Chairman Jeff Duncan of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security recently introduced the Atomic Energy Advancement Act to ensure efficient and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies. The legislation represents the most significant update to nuclear energy policy in the United States in over a generation.

“As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, I worked tirelessly to deliver drastic, meaningful reforms to preserve America’s nuclear fleet and increase nuclear power generation,” said Congressman Jeff Duncan. “America’s demand for electricity continues to grow, placing our Nation on the precipice of a countrywide energy crisis. Nuclear energy is reliable, affordable, and clean. It makes up half of the United States’ clean energy, provides 20% of the nation’s power, and over half of the clean power generation in South Carolina. This legislation bolsters American nuclear independence to keep the power on for Americans and safeguards national security through energy security.”

Regarding this week’s full committee mark up, Energy and Commerce Chair Rodgers said:

“Since the start of this Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee has played a pivotal role in passing solutions to unleash affordable, reliable American energy, lower health care costs, improve consumer protections, and strengthen our national security by cutting China out of our supply chains. I commend all our members for their leadership on solutions that further improve people’s lives and secure America’s global competitive edge.”

Representatives Duncan and DeGette released the following joint statement:

“This legislation is the biggest reform in nuclear power in more than a generation and takes the commonsense steps needed to restore America to the global forefront of nuclear innovation. The Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee has been laser focused on energy solutions for the American people. And, while we haven’t always agreed on these solutions, we know that America’s demand for electricity will continue to grow. Through bipartisan efforts, we deliver solutions that preserve America’s existing nuclear power generation fleet, as well as streamline the process of bringing more generation online through predictable licensing and boosting safety measures at the same time. This legislation will modernize the nuclear regulatory structure and ensure baseload power generation for our homes, hospitals, manufacturers, and vehicles. This legislation writes the future of power generation and transforms our nation’s energy marketplace to benefit the American people.”

The Atomic Energy Advancement Act advances the benefits of nuclear energy by enabling efficient, timely, and predictable licensing, regulation, and deployment of nuclear energy technologies. This bill is a compilation of 11 pieces of legislation authored by members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, including Rep. Jeff Duncan’s NRC Mission Alignment Act which requires NRC to prioritize efficiency in regulation as well as conformity to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. These include:

• NRC Mission Alignment Act (Rep. Jeff Duncan)
• Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act (Rep. Rick Allen)
• Strengthening the NRC Workforce Act (Rep. Diana DeGette)
• Advanced Reactor Fee Reduction Act (Rep. Larry Bucshon and Rep. Scott Peters)
• Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act (Rep. John Curtis and Rep. Paul Tonko)
• Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act (Rep. Randy Weber)
• Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act (Rep. Brett Guthrie Rep. Paul Tonko)
• Advancing Nuclear Regulatory Oversight Act (Rep. Debbie Lesko)
• Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act (Rep. Richard Hudson and Rep. Kim Schrier)
• Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act (Rep. Buddy Carter and Rep. Scott Peters)
• Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act (Rep. Bill Johnson)

View the text of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act here.

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