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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), who serves on the Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) introduced the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, which will help reduce burdensome federal regulations facing brownfield sites looking to transition to nuclear power.

“Today I am proud to introduce the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, which will require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to consider how existing energy infrastructure can be reused, and standardize the permitting and licensing process for future nuclear power purposes. One of my top priorities in Congress is using Kentucky’s top resource, our outstanding energy workforce. Unfortunately, due to Democrats War on Coal, coal production has been dramatically declining, forcing coal-fired plants to close at high rates over the last decade.  It is crucial we make use of our dedicated Kentucky energy workers, to put our nation back on the path to energy independence and lower energy costs,” said Congressman Guthrie.

Background

The Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify and report on the regulations, guidance, or policy necessary to license and allow nuclear facilities at brownfield sites as well as other sites with retired fossil fuel facilities.

The NRC would consider how existing site infrastructure can be reused and how early site permits, plant parameter envelopes, or standardized applications can help streamline the licensing and permitting process for new nuclear power generation. 

The NRC would 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.

The NRC would consider how existing site infrastructure can be reused and how early site permits, plant parameter envelopes, or standardized applications can help streamline the licensing and permitting process for new nuclear power generation. 

The NRC would 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.

Click here to view the text of the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act.

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