Trump Administration Pushes for Modernizing Energy, Environmental Infrastructure

Press Release

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Trump administration, continue to take important steps to build out energy infrastructure, protect the quality of our air and water, and promote clean, affordable, and reliable energy for all Americans.

DOE recently announced its first awards under the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), to promote U.S. advanced nuclear reactors. DOE awarded $80 million each to TerraPower LLC (Bellevue, WA) and X-energy (Rockville, MD) to go toward building reactors that can be operational within seven years. Nuclear energy not only accounts for nearly 20 percent of our nation's electricity but it also helps with efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. The U.S. must ensure that we grow a robust nuclear supply chain, which is why E&C Republicans have introduced several bills to promote nuclear leadership, including: the Strengthening American Nuclear Competitiveness Act (H.R. 7405) led by Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OR), the Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act (H.R. 7406) led by Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), the Nuclear Prosperity and Security Act (H.R. 7814) led by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH), the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act (H.R. 7817), led by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and the Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability Act (H.R. 1760) led by Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX), and which passed the House. ClearPath Action also recently highlighted the importance of U.S. nuclear leadership and the ARDP program.

President Trump also recently unveiled an executive order to ensure U.S. leadership in emerging and critical technologies, along with critical minerals and rare-earth elements. From batteries to our electrical grid, these technologies power our lives, and we must stop supply chain threats and promote reliable and accessible energy for Americans. E&C Republicans pointed out in a recent hearing the risks posed by relying on China for these critical minerals and rare-earth elements.

President Trump and the EPA have been working to protect access to clean air and water for American communities. The president recently announced an executive order to modernize America's water resource management and water infrastructure. The EPA is also taking action to protect our aquatic resources. As a member of the new Water Subcabinet, the EPA is working with other federal agencies to enhance the country's aquatic resource maps, including developing maps of the "waters of the United States" that provide better guidance on the scope of federal waters.

Additionally, the EPA recently proposed revisions to the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule update to address interstate air quality impacts stemming from the 2008 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). These proposed revisions, which address a court ruling from last year, would reduce NOx emissions from power plants located in 12 states that contribute to downwind ozone issues.

The EPA also recently finalized procedures for "alternate liner demonstration" in connection with unlined surface impoundments for coal ash, a waste byproduct from coal-fired power plants. This rule allows for more flexibility in site-specific management of coal ash without compromising any human health and environment protections.

Recent actions by President Trump and his administration take important steps to protect our resources, secure and grow our supply chains, boost our infrastructure, and protect the public health and safety of communities.

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