Originally published by Sen. Cynthia Lummis.
Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) this week introduced the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act, legislation that will direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to issue a rulemaking allowing commercial-grade concrete and steel to be used in non-safety-related structures of nuclear power plants.
“As nuclear technology evolves, our regulations should evolve with it,” said Senator Cynthia Lummis. “Requiring nuclear-grade materials in parts of a plant that have nothing to do with safety drives up costs and locks out local construction crews who are more than capable of doing the job. This legislation fixes that by requiring the NRC to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel where it’s safe to do so. I’m pleased to work with Senator Kelly and Congressman Donalds to get this done. The result is simple: lower costs, more local jobs, and zero compromise on safety.”
“We need more reliable, affordable power to keep up with growing demand in Arizona and across the country, but outdated rules about building materials drive up costs and slow down construction for nuclear plants,” said Senator Mark Kelly. “With this commonsense solution, we can build clean nuclear power plants faster and cheaper while keeping the same strong safety standards that protect Arizona families.”
“Energy security is national and economic security for the United States. As our energy demands continue to grow, it is essential that nuclear energy is a viable source of base load power. We must take a hard look at outdated and burdensome regulations and make practical, common-sense reforms,” said Congressman Byron Donalds.“I am proud to work alongside Senator Lummis to introduce the Build Nuclear with Local Labor Act to reduce construction and compliance costs for nuclear reactors, without sacrificing safety.”
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”Senator Lummis’ bill as a practical step toward making it easier to build more nuclear power in America,” said Chris Koopman, Abundance Institute, CEO. “This kind of targeted reform helps create a more build friendly environment for new nuclear projects and moves the country closer to abundant, reliable American energy. This is exactly the kind of policy Congress should advance if it is serious about energy abundance.”