Overview
Purpose
"To enable civilian research and development of advanced nuclear energy technologies by private and public institutions, to expand theoretical and practical knowledge of nuclear physics, chemistry, and materials science, and for other purposes."
Primary Sponsors
Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX) and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) / Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Final outcome
President signed S.97 into law, Sept. 28, 2018
Committee Reports
Summary of Selected Provisions
Provisions in both bills
- Directs the Department of Energy to establish a National Reactor Innovation Center through which industry will work with national laboratories to test and demonstrate advanced reactor concepts
- Directs DOE to establish a fast neutron source user facility
- Directs DOE to establish a program of high-performance computational modeling and simulation in service of advanced reactor R&D
- Directs DOE to develop budget plans for civilian nuclear energy R&D that includes the new initiatives
Provisions in the Senate bill only
- Establishes a cost-sharing program at DOE to assist industry in obtaining licenses for advanced reactors
Actions
Actions on the House bill
Removed from H.R.589, Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, by Senate amendment
June 23, 2018
Incorporated into H.R.589, Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act
Jan. 20, 2017
Bill introduced
Jan. 11, 2017
Actions on the Senate bill
President signed bill into law
Sept. 28, 2018
House passed bill by voice vote
Sept. 13, 2018
Senate passed bill by voice vote
March 7, 2018
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved bill
March 30, 2017
Bill introduced
Jan. 11, 2017
Relevant FYI Bulletins