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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) released the following statement after his bill H.R. 6268, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, passed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee as a part of the of H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act:

“I am pleased that my bill, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, passed the Energy and Commerce Committee’s markup process today and will advance to the House floor. This key piece of legislation will help to unleash American-made energy using the best tool in our arsenal, our committed energy workers. Kentucky’s greatest asset is our 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 and other sites with retiring coal facilities like former coal-fired plants, for future nuclear power expansion, we can continue using the existing infrastructure, improve grid reliability, and diversify our energy portfolio. I look forward to this bill passing the House, setting Kentucky and our nation on the path to sustainable energy independence by exploring nuclear power,” 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 oversee nuclear facilities at brownfield sites and other sites with retiring coal facilities like retired fossil fuel facilities.

The NRC would consider how existing site infrastructure can be reused and allow 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.

Click here to see of the full the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.

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