Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act - S.512

Overview
Purpose
"A bill to modernize the regulation of nuclear energy."
Primary Sponsors
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Final outcome

President signed S.512 into law, Jan. 14, 2019

https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/512
Committee Reports
S.Rept. 115-86
Summary of Selected Provisions
  • Directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to implement a licensing framework for advanced reactors, with a fully technology-inclusive framework completed by 2025
  • Establishes a cost-sharing program at the Department of Energy to assist industry in applying for reactor licenses
  • Establishes a sunset provision for the NRC's current budget structure, which mandates that 90 percent of it should derive from user fees
Actions
Actions on the Senate bill
President signed bill into law
Jan. 14, 2019
House passed amended version of the bill on a vote of 361 to 10
Dec. 21, 2018
Senate passed amended version of the bill by voice vote
Dec. 20, 2018
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved bill
March 22, 2017
Bill introduced
March 2, 2017
Relevant FYI Bulletins

Congress Moving on Nuclear Options: The State of Play on Advanced Reactor Bills

Congress is currently advancing four bills that would support the commercialization of new nuclear reactor designs by enhancing R&D at the Department of Energy and instituting a new licensing framework at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Congress Set to Initiate NRC Licensing Program for Advanced Nuclear Reactors

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is poised to move from preliminary studies of licensing requirements for advanced nuclear reactors to the development of an actual licensing program. A number of bills currently making their way through Congress provide funding and authorization for such a program, but a final legislative framework has not yet emerged.