Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered an opening statement at a hearing focused on the future of nuclear energy in the United States. The hearing, titled "American Energy Dominance: Dawn of the New Nuclear Era," examined the current state of the nuclear industry and explored opportunities for deploying new nuclear technologies.
Latta highlighted the importance of expanding American nuclear energy production to meet increasing demand for reliable power across various sectors, including industrial output and artificial intelligence applications. He stated, “Most importantly, what we need in this country is more energy. We need firm, reliable power, versatile power, and more of it. We need power for emerging industrial output and the AI race—also for homes and businesses.”
He also addressed national security concerns linked to a strong nuclear industry through enhanced commerce with allies and a cost-effective industrial base. According to Latta, Congress has taken significant steps to improve regulatory systems supporting domestic nuclear deployment. He referenced the ADVANCE Act, which was developed by members of the Energy and Commerce Committee to make licensing more efficient and predictable for nuclear projects.
Latta explained that recent legislation aims to secure nuclear fuel supplies by funding advanced fuel development and banning Russian fuels in order to promote domestic capacity. Additional measures have targeted federal loan programs, technical support for demonstrations, and liability protections for reactors.
Reflecting on progress over recent years, Latta noted that while there had been widespread retirements of nuclear plants five or six years ago, today some closed reactors are being restarted and utilities are looking to expand existing sites. He pointed out a recent decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approving digital controls as replacements for analog safety equipment—a move expected to modernize safety systems across U.S. plants.
The hearing featured testimony from several experts: Maria Korsnick of the Nuclear Energy Institute; John Williams from Southern Nuclear Operating Company; Judi Greenwald from the Nuclear Innovation Alliance; and John Wagner from Idaho National Laboratory.
Latta emphasized that successful growth in U.S. nuclear deployment will rely on effective regulation, dependable supply chains, predictable costs, and sufficient market demand. “The success of our work in Congress to advance durable nuclear deployment will depend on appropriate and efficient regulatory decisions, dependable supply chains and fuels, predictable construction and deployment costs, and, of course, market demand,” he said.
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