Nuclear Energy Leadership Act - S.3422

Overview
Purpose
"To direct the Secretary of Energy to establish advanced nuclear goals, provide for a versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source, make available high-assay, low-enriched uranium for research, development, and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor concepts, and for other purposes."
Primary Sponsors
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/3422/
Summary of Selected Provisions
  • Directs the Department of Energy to enter agreements to carry out at least four advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects by the end of fiscal year 2028
  • Directs DOE to develop a 10-year Nuclear Energy Strategic Plan
  • Directs DOE to construct a versatile, reactor-based fast neutron source user facility by the end of 2025
  • Directs DOE to create a University Nuclear Leadership Program that will provide funding to universities for fellowships, scholarships, and R&D projects to further advanced nuclear reactors and to maintain the nuclear science and engineering disciplines
  • Directs DOE to establish a program to establish a supply of high-assay low-enriched uranium for use in advanced nuclear reactors
Actions
Actions on the Senate bill
Bill introduced
Sept. 6, 2018
Relevant FYI Bulletins

Lawmakers Piecing Together Bipartisan Nuclear Energy Push

As Congress seeks to reinvigorate the U.S. nuclear sector with new legislative backing for advanced reactor development, members are also making a renewed push to solve the nuclear waste stalemate.

Congress and DOE Look to Spur New Nuclear Reactor Designs

Efforts by Congress and the Department of Energy to spur the development and commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors have gained steam in recent months, though some moves have received criticism.