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S.512 - Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act115th Congress (2017-2018) |

Bill

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Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY] (Introduced 03/02/2017)
Committees: Senate - Environment and Public Works
Committee Reports: S. Rept. 115-86
Latest Action: House - 12/21/2018 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.  (All Actions)
Roll Call Votes: There has been 1 roll call vote

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This bill has the status Passed House

Here are the steps for Status of Legislation:

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed Senate
  3. Passed House
  4. To President
  5. Became Law

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  • CBO Cost Estimates [1]

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Summary: S.512 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)All Information (Except Text)

Bill summaries are authored by CRS.

Shown Here:
Reported to Senate with amendment(s) (05/25/2017)

Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act

This bill directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to modify the licensing process for commercial advanced nuclear reactor facilities. In addition, the bill amends the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 to revise how the NRC preserves budgeted funds for conducting and accelerating license reviews of commercial advanced nuclear reactor facilities.

The NRC must implement a licensing process that is designed to be predictable and efficient while conforming to existing NRC regulatory guidelines. The Department of Energy (DOE) must provide cost sharing grants to license applicants for the purpose of funding a portion of the NRC review fees. The NRC must also develop a new technology-inclusive, regulatory framework by the end of 2024 that encourages greater technological innovation for the advanced nuclear reactor program.

The NRC must publish necessary revisions to the guidance on the baseline examination schedule and any subsequent examinations for baffle-former bolts in pressurized water reactors with down-flow configurations.

The NRC may issue licenses for utilization facilities that are used in conducting research and development activities related to nuclear energy. The NRC must report to Congress on the status of the licensing process for accident tolerant fuel.

The NRC must: (1) report to Congress on the safety and feasibility of extending the duration of uranium recovery licenses from 10 to 20 years, and (2) complete a voluntary pilot program to determine the feasibility of establishing a flat fee structure for routine licensing matters relating to uranium recovery.

DOE must issue a long-term federal excess uranium inventory management plan at least every 10 years that details the management of DOE excess uranium inventories.