The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) commended the Senate for recently passing the $37.5 billion Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill for fiscal 2017, which includes large nuclear energy investments.
“The nuclear industry commends the Senate, and particularly Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), for recognizing the important role nuclear energy plays in meeting our nation’s electricity needs, protecting the environment, and preserving the energy diversity that is the strength of the U.S. electricity supply system,” Nuclear Energy Institute Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs Alex Flint said.
The bill inclues $94.5 million for the Department of Energy for advanced reactor technologies, as well as a further $5 million for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin regulatory preparations for these new reactor technologies. The bill also provides $95 million for small modular reactor (SMR) research, as well as $35 million to allow for second-license renewals for existing reactors. Altogether, the NRC would receive $939 million for fiscal 2017.
Another version of the bill was passed by the House. If both versions can be resolved, it will be sent to President's Obama's desk.
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