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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement after his discussion draft, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, passed through the Energy subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee this week:

“I am pleased that my discussion draft, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, passed through the Energy subcommittee’s markup process. House Republicans are committed to restoring and unleashing American energy independence. Jump starting the nuclear energy community begins with tapping into our greatest asset, Kentucky’s energy workers, who have the experience we need to keep the Commonwealth a leader in American energy production. By streamlining licensing and permitting for brownfield sites like former coal-fired plants, for future nuclear power expansion, we can keep using the existing infrastructure, improve grid reliability, and diversify our energy portfolio. I look forward to this bill being brought up to the Energy & Commerce Committee in the near future,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Background

This bill would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify and report on the regulations, guidance, or policy necessary to license and oversee nuclear facilities at brownfield sites and other sites with retired fossil fuel facilities.

The NRC would consider how existing site infrastructure can be reused and early site permits, plant parameter envelopes, or standardized applications for similar sites may be used for licensing.

The NRC would also be required to develop and implement strategies, including through rulemaking, to enable and support licensing of nuclear facilities, taking into consideration matters relating to existing emergency planning, environmental data and reviews, decontamination and remediation, community engagement, and historical experience with energy use at the sites.

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