Utah Valley Times

The House passed a nuclear energy package, including the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act, introduced by Representative John R. Curtis (R-UT) on February 29, 2024. Rep. Curtis expressed the need for innovation in the nuclear space to ensure affordable, reliable, and clean energy for the future. He highlighted the challenges faced in the permitting process, stating, "The costs and red tape associated with our permitting process are proving to be duplicative and ineffective."

The Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act aims to incentivize innovation by awarding grants to cover fees assessed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the first technologies licensed and operational in five unique categories. Rep. Curtis emphasized that these prizes will facilitate quality applications and make it more affordable for new technologies to navigate the licensing process.

The bill, which had previously been advanced by the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee in October 2023, passed the full Energy & Commerce committee in December 2023. Rep. Curtis's efforts to promote nuclear energy align with the goal of ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future.

Furthermore, the expansion of nuclear energy in the United States is expected to support Utah's uranium industry, including mining and operations at the White Mesa Mill in San Juan County. Rep. Curtis also highlighted the importance of reducing reliance on foreign sources, noting that currently, Russia has significant control over the uranium supply chain through questionable labor and environmental practices.

The passage of the Curtis bill represents a significant step towards encouraging innovation and development in the nuclear energy sector, with the aim of enhancing energy security and sustainability in the United States.