Naples Standard

Today, Congressman Byron Donalds introduced five new bills as part of his 2023-24 Nuclear Energy Package. The bills aim to enhance the role of nuclear energy in the United States by addressing various aspects of licensing, regulatory processes, and potential applications in emergency scenarios.

The newly introduced bills are H.R. 4674 – The Advanced Nuclear Feasibility Act, H.R. 4675 – The Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards (ACRS) Reform Act, H.R. 4676 – The Nuclear Red Tape Reduction Act, H.R. 4677 – The Leverage Obligated Appropriations for Advanced Nuclear (LOAN) Act, and H.R. 4678 – The Provide Logistical Airport Aid Via Advanced Nuclear Energy (PLANE) Act.

Congressman Donalds stated: "Throughout the first seven months of the 118th Congress, I have worked hard to elevate the role of nuclear within the arsenal of American energy. Not only is nuclear the cleanest and greenest source of energy at our country's disposal, but it is an invaluable asset that we must utilize in order to efficiently power the future of our nation."

The new legislation aims to streamline processes within the nuclear industry by facilitating advanced reactor licensing and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. It also seeks to promote microreactor use at airports for backup power during natural disasters—a proposal particularly relevant given Florida's vulnerability to hurricanes.

"My five most recent bills seek to facilitate the licensing and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, reduce licensing costs, slash unnecessary bureaucratic red tape, and establish regulatory clarity," Donalds added.

Each bill addresses specific issues within the nuclear sector:

- **H.R. 4674** focuses on funding feasibility studies for advanced reactor deployment.

- **H.R. 4675** aims to modernize NRC licensing by reforming ACRS.

- **H.R. 4676** proposes a risk-informed approach for non-contested applications.

- **H.R. 4677** enhances access to DOE loan authority for advanced nuclear projects.

- **H.R. 4678** updates FAA guidance encouraging airport use of microreactors.

These efforts form part of a broader legislative package intended to position nuclear energy as a key component in meeting America's future energy needs.