SE Texas Times

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) has introduced H.R. 6252, known as the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act. The bill aims to streamline and expedite the environmental review process for nuclear reactor applications by directing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to submit a report and conduct a rulemaking.

In support of the bill, Rep. Weber highlighted the importance of nuclear energy as a clean, safe, and reliable source of power. He emphasized the need to cut through bureaucratic red tape at the NRC in order to make nuclear energy a significant component of America's energy profile. Rep. Weber stated, "By expanding the use of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and generic environmental impact statements, we're simplifying the process, which is a win-win. It's time to empower our nuclear reactor fleet, a clean and reliable energy source that's vital for our grid. I am proud to introduce a bill to make our review process more efficient."

The Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act passed the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Markup unanimously. It will now proceed to the full committee for further consideration.

The legislation focuses on several key areas to improve the environmental review process. Firstly, it calls for the expansion of categorical exclusions, which will significantly reduce the time, money, and paperwork involved. Additionally, the bill seeks to increase the use of environmental assessments, which are quicker to compile than environmental impact statements. Expanding the use of generic environmental impact statements is also a priority.

Furthermore, the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act aims to enhance coordination between other federal agencies involved in the process. This will ensure a more streamlined and efficient review process. The bill also calls for the modernization of systems to create online portals, allowing applicants to work in real-time with the NRC and cooperating agencies.

The introduction of this legislation demonstrates Rep. Weber's commitment to advancing nuclear energy and ensuring it plays a significant role in America's energy future. By streamlining the environmental review process, the bill aims to remove unnecessary barriers and facilitate the growth of the nuclear reactor fleet.

The Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act has garnered support from various stakeholders, recognizing the importance of nuclear energy in achieving clean and reliable power. With the bill's passage in the subcommittee, it is expected to receive further consideration and move closer to becoming law.

As the nation looks to diversify its energy sources and reduce carbon emissions, the Modernize Nuclear Reactor Environmental Reviews Act presents a step towards harnessing the potential of nuclear energy more efficiently and effectively.

Click this link to access more information: https://weber.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1832