House approves bipartisan bill aimed at bolstering nuclear energy

The House on Wednesday evening approved bipartisan legislation that aims to bolster nuclear energy.

The vote was 365-36, with one additional lawmaker voting present.

All of the “no” votes were Democrats and included several members of the Progressive Caucus. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) voted present.

The legislation aims to bolster the U.S.’s nuclear energy production by speeding up environmental reviews for new nuclear reactors and reducing fees that applicants for advanced nuclear reactor licenses must pay.

It would also extend a law that limits the industry’s legal liability for nuclear accidents by 40 years. 

In addition, the bill would also seek to bolster nuclear approvals by requiring “efficient, timely, and predictable reviews and proceeding” for licensing reactors.

The bipartisan legislation was sponsored by Reps. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.)  and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.). 

“The Atomic Energy Advancement Act restores American leadership in nuclear energy and technology which is critical to our economic and national security. I’m proud to lead the most significant update to nuclear energy policy in the United States in over a generation,” Duncan said in a written statement on its passage.

While it has bipartisan support in the House, it’s unclear whether the bill will advance in its current form, as the Senate has its own nuclear energy bill. 

Both bills have bipartisan support and reports have indicated that both chambers have been in talks on how to reconcile the legislation.

Story was updated 8:26 p.m.