WASHINGTON, DC - The Energy and Power Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY), today held a legislative hearing examining two energy bills to improve our nuclear power landscape. Nuclear energy generates 20 percent of our electricity and produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. Unfortunately, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) regulatory process has been mired by bureaucratic red tape. Compounding these regulatory issues are budgetary and staffing issues that have long hampered the NRC.
H.R. 4979, the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016, introduced by committee members Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA), would;
* Provide the regulatory framework needed for safe, advanced nuclear energy technologies. H.R. 4979 would require DOE and the NRC work together to provide certainty for the development of advanced nuclear technology.
“It’s time for Congress to ensure that the NRC provides the framework so that innovators and investors can develop new technologies," said Rep. Latta. “Passing this legislation is key to ensure that the United States remains a leader in the nuclear industry, which is vital for both our electricity mix, and our national security."
Marvin Fertel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute, offered his support of H.R. 4979, saying, “We support passage of this bill, which will provide environmental and economic benefits to all Americans by setting the stage for the development of innovative commercial reactor technologies and helping to retain the energy source responsible for 63 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity."
H.R.___, the Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Policies Act, introduced by committee member Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), would;
* Improve NRC’s licensing, budgeting, and regulatory process to help our existing fleet, foster investments in new plants, and ensure safety and protect public health.
Rep. Kinzinger noted, “I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can maintain our nation’s position as the global leader in civilian nuclear power and the NRC’s position as the gold standard of safety. I think all of us recognize that if we cede that position it will have serious consequences for not only our economy, but also our national security."
Former NRC Commissioner Jeffery S. Merrifield, Partner at Pillsbury Law Firm and Chairman of the Advanced Reactors Task Force at the Nuclear Infrastructure Council, stated, “It is time to make dramatic and significant changes to reform the NRC as well as modernize the licensing process to spur innovation and enable Advance Reactor technologies to achieve the full measure of their promise and the success that the nation needs to meet its future energy and environmental goals."
“Nuclear energy is an integral part of an ‘all of the above’ energy policy. New nuclear technologies hold great promise to operate in a cost competitive environment, with even greater safety margins than existing reactors while generating less waste and reducing proliferation concerns," said Chairman Whitfield. “However, regulatory uncertainty is repeatedly cited as a top barrier to developing these technologies. The Department of Energy, which supports nuclear research and development activities, should collaborate where applicable, with the NRC to address uncertainty."
Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) concluded, “Because of the large role nuclear energy plays in Michigan and across the country, it’s imperative that folks have confidence in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s mission to protect public health and safety. This mission can, and should, be achieved while also providing regulatory certainty for NRC licensees and stakeholders. And the simple fact is we can’t have nuclear power without the NRC."
For an archived webcast of today’s hearing, witness testimony, and a background memo, click HERE. Related Items
* H.R. 4979, the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016 and H.R.___, Nuclear Utilization of Keynote Energy Policies Act.
* Latta and McNerney Introduce Legislation Regarding Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technology
See Also
* #SubEnergyPower Advances Two Bipartisan Energy Bills to Protect Jobs, the Economy, and Public Health
* E&C Advances Two Bipartisan Bills to Address Ozone and Spur Advanced Nuclear Technology
* NEXT WEEK: Full Committee to Vote On Commonsense Bills to Address Ozone and Spur Advanced Nuclear Technology
