Nuclear energy has provided baseload power to our country for decades, and generates electricity twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It does not emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxide, making it not only clean but reliable because power plants can run up to two years at a time before needing to go offline for refueling. One nuclear plant can power over 650,000 homes with clean and reliable energy.
The 99 operating nuclear power reactors in 30 states throughout the United States generate about 20% of the nation’s electricity. These plants have an impressive safety record, with strong regulation and oversight from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) including redundant safety systems to protect communities. As Congress continues to explore clean energy solutions, we should continue investing in technologies and research that will move our country forward.
The next generation of the nuclear industry needs to start now, with Congress ensuring that the NRC provides the regulatory certainty needed to encourage investments in innovative technologies. Nuclear power must remain a significant component of our electricity mix. As the United States looks to the future, more low carbon energy will be needed and nuclear power is a reliable, safe, and clean baseload power source, currently providing approximately 63 percent of total carbon free energy. Investment in new technologies is already happening, with approximately 50 companies and over one billion dollars in private capital in this country working to develop the next generation of nuclear power.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce recently heard from the NRC and stakeholder groups about the need to create a new regulatory framework for considering advanced reactor technologies. Companies need a clear path for advanced reactor licensing to obtain the necessary private financing for new nuclear technology. That is why we introduced H.R. 4979; it is time for Congress to ensure that the NRC creates a framework that will promote the next generation of safe, carbon free nuclear power. …
