The United States Congress has taken a momentous step in shaping the country’s energy landscape, as the Senate recently passed a landmark pro-nuclear energy bill. This bipartisan legislation, known as the “Fire Grants and Safety Act,” marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to nuclear power, paving the way for a future powered by this clean, reliable energy source.
The passage of this bill, which includes the text of the “ADVANCE Act,” represents a rare moment of consensus among lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties. The bill passed with a 88-2 vote and will now head to President Biden for signature.
This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the partisan divide that has often characterized energy policy debates in recent years.
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“Today, we sent the ADVANCE Act to the president’s desk because Congress worked together to recognize the importance of nuclear energy to America’s future and got the job done,” Ranking Member Capito said. “This bipartisan piece of legislation will encourage more innovation and investment in nuclear technologies right here on our shores. It also directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to more efficiently carry out its important regulatory mission and helps redevelop conventional energy sites for future nuclear energy projects. I’m proud the work we put into this legislation over many years is coming to fruition, and excited to mark a significant achievement for clean, reliable nuclear power.”
At the heart of this historic legislation is the “Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act,” or the ADVANCE Act. This groundbreaking piece of legislation aims to address the longstanding challenges that have hindered the growth of nuclear energy in the United States.
One of the key provisions of the ADVANCE Act is its focus on simplifying the permitting process for advanced nuclear reactors. By reducing the regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic red tape, the bill seeks to pave the way for the swift deployment of innovative nuclear technologies.
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This streamlined approach is expected to spur investment and encourage the development of next-generation nuclear reactors, which could play a crucial role in the nation’s clean energy transition.
The ADVANCE Act also directs resources towards strengthening the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the agency tasked with overseeing the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
By augmenting the NRC’s workforce and refining its regulatory processes, the bill aims to ensure that the agency can efficiently carry out its vital mission while also facilitating the advancement of nuclear energy technologies.
The ADVANCE Act addresses the international dimensions of nuclear energy in addition to its domestic focus. The bill includes provisions to enhance the process for exporting certain nuclear power technologies abroad, allowing the United States to assert its leadership in the global nuclear energy market.
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Furthermore, the legislation directs resources toward the development of nuclear fusion technology, a promising frontier in the quest for clean, limitless energy.
“This is another successful bipartisan effort to boost the deployment of zero-emission nuclear power and shore up America’s longstanding global leadership in nuclear energy. The ADVANCE Act will strengthen our nuclear workforce, assist in the deployment of new advanced reactors by lowering barriers in the regulatory process, and facilitate the reuse of Brownfield sites to aid in the coal-to-nuclear transition. Advancing the development of the next generation of nuclear reactors is a win for the planet, and passage of this bill marks the next step in bringing new, safe reactors online,” Senator Whitehouse said.
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