BILL: Should We Strengthen Our Nuclear Industry? - ADVANCE Act of 2023 - S.1111

The Bill

S.1111 - ADVANCE Act of 2023

Bill Details

• Sponsored by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) on March 30, 2023
• Committee: Senate - Environment and Public Works
• House: Not yet voted
• Senate: Not yet voted
• President: Not yet signed

Bill Overview

• Enhances U.S. civil nuclear leadership, supports the licensing of advanced nuclear technologies, and strengthens the domestic nuclear energy industry.
• Improves the regulation of nuclear energy, as well as empowers the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to be a leader in international forums.
• Authorizes funding to assist in cleaning up abandoned mining sites on Tribal lands.
• Provides the NRC Chair the tools to hire and retain highly specialized staff and requires the NRC to periodically review and assess performance metrics to ensure licensing can be completed on an efficient schedule.

What's in the Bill

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels

• According to Pew Research, 57% of Americans support the construction of more nuclear power plants to generate electricity in the country, up from 43% in 2020.
• 41% of Americans believe the government should play a key role in encouraging the production of nuclear power. 

Boosts American nuclear industry and infrastructure

• The U.S. currently has 93 nuclear reactors in use, which provide 20% of the country's energy needs.
• The bill identifies modern manufacturing techniques to build nuclear reactors better, faster, and cheaper.
• Preserves existing infrastructure by modernizing outdated rules that restrict international investment. 
• Strengthens America's nuclear fuel cycle and supply chain infrastructure by directing the NRC to qualify and license advanced nuclear fuels.
• Develops and deploys new nuclear technologies by reducing regulatory costs for companies seeking to license advanced nuclear reactor technologies.

Facilitates American nuclear leadership

• Improves regulation schemes to ensure a safe, world-class nuclear industry. Empowers the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to lead in international forums.
• Facilitates the export of American nuclear technologies to ally nations to benefit the domestic industrial economy.
• Creates a prize to incentivize the successful deployment of next-generation nuclear reactor technologies.

Reduces reliance on foreign energy

• Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and China's nuclear program highlight the importance of American domestic energy security.

What Supporters Are Saying

• Rep. Moore-Capito said:

"With today's passage of the bipartisan ADVANCE Act, we are one step closer to reestablishing America's preeminence as the global leader in nuclear energy in the twenty-first century."

• Rep. Tom Carper (D-Del.) said:

"As our nation's largest source of carbon-free electricity, nuclear energy is critical to meeting our climate goals and ensuring our energy independence. The ADVANCE Act would help modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, providing the agency with the tools and highly-skilled workforce necessary to facilitate the deployment of clean, affordable nuclear energy."

• Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said:

"The time is right to make strategic investments in a new generation of nuclear energy technology that will lower emissions and head off threats to our national and energy security."

What Opponents Are Saying

• Greenpeace has spoken out against reliance on nuclear power, arguing that reactors are easy targets for "malevolent actors" like terrorists or as strategic targets during war.
• While nearly half of Americans support nuclear development, a larger share — 66% — think the federal government should encourage the production of wind and solar power instead. 
• Mycle Schneider, author of the annual World Nuclear Industry Status Report, said:

"Stabilizing the climate is urgent, nuclear power is slow. It meets no technical or operational need that low-carbon competitors cannot meet better, cheaper and faster."

Tell your reps to support or oppose this bill

—Emma Kansiz 

(Photo Credit: Canva)