Congressman Bob Latta, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, delivered an opening statement at a markup session in Washington, D.C. on July 14, where six pieces of legislation aimed at improving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing process and Department of Energy nuclear reporting were considered.
Latta said, “Today’s markup will consider six pieces of legislation to improve the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s licensing process and Department of Energy nuclear reporting, which will help maintain momentum for U.S. nuclear deployment.” He emphasized the importance of a robust American nuclear industry for meeting increasing energy demand and maintaining national security.
Latta outlined recent bipartisan efforts such as the ADVANCE Act and highlighted new bills under consideration. These include H.R. 3978, which would clarify regulatory frameworks for recycling facilities; H.R. 9612 to streamline enrichment facility licensing; H.R. 5549 to eliminate certain hearing requirements; H.R. 9613 directing advisory committees to focus on novel safety issues; H.R. 9614 aligning pay authorities for NRC staff; and H.R. 9084 requiring greater transparency from the Department of Energy regarding facility licensing decisions.
He said these measures build upon previous reforms: “Our bipartisan work two years ago led to the ADVANCE Act… Our work also laid the foundation for a revitalized domestic nuclear fuel industry.” Latta noted that several bills amend the Atomic Energy Act to extend prior policy changes by eliminating unnecessary steps in licensing processes.
The session reflected ongoing bipartisan collaboration within the subcommittee: “While we are still in discussion on a couple of the bills, our conversations across the aisle reflect the same bipartisan spirit that led to success two years ago,” Latta said.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee is responsible for legislation concerning energy, health care, environmental protection, telecommunications and consumer issues; it has influenced policy areas including energy innovation and broadband deployment since its origins as one of Congress’s oldest standing committees formed in 1795 as the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, according to its official website.