Congress feeds nuclear industry billions to support new reactors and existing fleet
The nuclear industry just got a significant boon from Congress with the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which devotes nearly $8.5 billion to fund advanced reactor development and support the nation's economically compromised plants.
The measure spent months in limbo following its passage in the Senate in August, and nuclear industry groups are hailing it as a catalyst for domestic clean energy innovation.
Of the total $1.2 trillion in spending the bill authorizes, about $2.5 billion would get dispersed over six years to fund the research, development, and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technology, something stakeholders, analysts, and lawmakers across party lines have recognized as vital if the United States is to maintain a reliable grid and cut carbon emissions.
"This is the most aggressive support for nuclear that we've seen in a very long time. Period," said Josh Freed, senior vice president for the Climate and Energy program at Third Way, a center-left think tank.
The nuclear industry just got a significant boon from Congress with the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which devotes nearly $8.5 billion to fund advanced reactor development and support the nation's economically compromised plants.
The measure spent months in limbo following its passage in the Senate in August, and nuclear industry groups are hailing it as a catalyst for domestic clean energy innovation.
Of the total $1.2 trillion in spending the bill authorizes, about $2.5 billion would get dispersed over six years to fund the research, development, and demonstration of advanced nuclear reactor technology, something stakeholders, analysts, and lawmakers across party lines have recognized as vital if the United States is to maintain a reliable grid and cut carbon emissions.
"This is the most aggressive support for nuclear that we've seen in a very long time. Period," said Josh Freed, senior vice president for the Climate and Energy program at Third Way, a center-left think tank.
