House Takes Steps to Reform Department of Energy

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer supported two bills passed by the House of Representatives this week taking the first steps to reform the Department of Energy (DOE).
H.R. 590, the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act, requires the DOE and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to better define collaborations and their development of advanced nuclear technologies. It also directs the agencies to submit a plan on a regulatory framework covering processes, licensing and certification of advanced reactor technology. The current fleet of operating nuclear power plants all utilize light-water reactor technology which the NRC has geared itself toward.
Cramer said private companies are interested in developing advanced nuclear reactor designs that may have inherently safer designs from the power reactors currently licensed by the NRC. "These technologies could increase safety margins, reduce the amount of spent nuclear fuel, or increase efficiency."
H.R. 589, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, combines seven previously passed bills to provide policy direction to the DOE on basic science research, nuclear energy research and development, research coordination and a review of existing programs, and important reforms to streamline national laboratory management.
He said this bill provides important reforms to bring innovative ideas to the marketplace and policy direction for basic science research and nuclear energy. "Out of respect to taxpayers we need to make sure science research at DOE is focused on its core mission and programs are not duplicating or impeding private sector work."

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