Policy & Legislation
SENATE Bipartisan bill aims to boost U.S. nuclear industry The Nuclear Energy n September 6, Sens. Lisa Mur- agreements for first-of-a-kind or early kowski (R., Alaska) and Cory deployment nuclear technologies that Leadership Act calls for OBooker (D., N.J.) introduced can provide reliable and resilient power S. 3422, the Nuclear Energy Leadership to high-value assets for national security more action from the DOE Act (NELA), bipartisan legislation intend- purposes . . . especially in remote off-grid ed to reestablish U.S. leadership in nuclear scenarios or grid-connected scenarios.” in support of advanced energy by launching public-private part- The deadline for the DOE to enter into nerships between the federal government, such an agreement is December 31, 2023. nuclear energy goals. research institutions, and industry inno- The new legislation would also extend vators. It will also promote education ini- the maximum length of federal power tiatives, workforce development, and nu- purchase agreements from 10 to 40 years, clear science training. Cosponsors of the a change that the Nuclear Energy Insti- bill include Sens. Shelley Moore Capito tute considers crucial. “This is important (R., W.Va.), Chris Coons (D., Del.), Mike because the larger upfront investments in Crapo (R., Idaho), Dick Durbin (D., Ill.), nuclear reactors generally mean they need Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.), James Risch (R., more than 10 years before they can begin Idaho), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D., R.I.). to realize a profit,” NEI stated in a press The bill has been referred to the Senate release on the bill’s introduction. “The Committee on Energy and Natural Re- shorter timespan effectively locks nuclear sources, which Murkowski chairs. power out of power purchase agreements with the federal government.” In addition, NELA would direct the DOE to establish specific advanced re- actor research and development goals, a 10-year strategic plan that supports those goals, a fast neutron–capable research fa- cility, a program to provide a minimum amount of high-assay low-enriched ura- nium to U.S. advanced reactor developers from DOE stockpiles until a long-term do- mestic supply is developed, and a universi- Murkowski Booker ty nuclear leadership program to meet the “Nuclear power provides clean, safe, workforce needs of the industry, as well efficient, flexible, and reliable power to as those of the Nuclear Regulatory Com- American families and businesses, but mission and the National Nuclear Security we have only scratched the surface of its Administration. immense potential,” Murkowski said in a ANS President John Kelly said in a press release. “Our bipartisan bill will help statement, “The American Nuclear Soci- rejuvenate the U.S. nuclear industry by ety applauds Senator Murkowski and Sen- providing the tools, resources, and part- ator Booker on their introduction of the nerships necessary to drive innovation in Nuclear Energy Leadership Act. NELA is advanced reactors. I thank my colleagues an important step forward in supporting for joining me in sponsoring this time- development of the U.S. advanced reactor ly measure to create American jobs and technology portfolio and the nuclear engi- restore our global leadership on nuclear neering workforce.” technologies.” Among other directives, NELA would create a pilot program for at least one long- CLE AN POWER PL AN term power purchase agreement between the Department of Energy and a utility to EPA defends abeyance as buy electricity generated by a commercial ACE Rule moves forward nuclear reactor. According to the bill’s text, the secretary of energy “shall give On September 14, the Environmental special consideration to power purchase Protection Agency filed a motion and re-
October 2018 • Nuclear News • 39