Lawmaker Back With Bill to Bolster U.S. Nuclear Sector

Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter (R., Ga.)—a cosponsor of a quartet of pronuclear bills from House colleague Rep. Byron Donalds (R., Fla.)—recently reintroduced his own legislation in support of the U.S. nuclear sector: the Global Nuclear Energy Assessment and Cooperation Act (H.R. 995). Joining Carter again as original cosponsor is Rep. Scott Peters (D., Calif.).

Words from the sponsors: “With this bill, we have the opportunity to not only strengthen our own nuclear energy sector but also expand access to American technologies and build a sustainable, reliable baseload energy grid around the globe,” said Carter. “I’m eager for Congress to take up this and other important nuclear legislation, and I thank Rep. Peters for his support.”

Peters added, “Through [H.R. 995], the U.S. continues solidifying its clean energy leadership here at home and abroad. The concrete steps outlined in this legislation, including the training of foreign nuclear energy experts and the establishment of a U.S. International Nuclear Reactor Export and Innovation Branch, will ensure we remain the world’s leading developer of nuclear energy. I thank Rep. Carter for his leadership and collaboration in this space.”

Bill basics: According to Carter, H.R. 995 would do the following:

• Promote better international cooperation and assistance relating to nuclear reactors.
• Help build nuclear regulatory organizations or legal frameworks in other nations.
• Counter strategic competitors like Russia and China.
• Prohibit the import of fuels from Russia, China, and other adversaries.
• Build up the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s international efforts by facilitating the issuing of licenses to import or export nuclear reactors.

At this writing, H.R. 995 has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce and Foreign Affairs committees.