The quest for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions has never been more critical. Nuclear energy stands out as a vital component for an all-of-the-above energy strategy. However, despite its potential to significantly reduce global emissions, the process to establish new nuclear power plants is often hindered by outdated regulatory hurdles.
At Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) we believe There Is No Clean Future Without Nuclear Energy — and it is time to take action to streamline permitting for nuclear energy.
To tackle this goal, CRES endorsed the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act, bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the process for licensing nuclear reactors. The bill, introduced by Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Chris Coons (D- Del.), will eliminate the “mandatory hearing” requirement, increasing efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars. Currently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is obligated to hold hearings on all reactor license applications, even those uncontested. This wastes resources on non-controversial cases, hindering progress and costing millions of dollars. Sen. Scott’s legislation still allows for public engagement while streamlining the licensing process, ultimately advancing nuclear energy deployment for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
“Deploying more nuclear energy is a key component to an all-of-the-above strategy that lowers global emissions, but the process to build a new nuclear power plant is outdated,” said Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) President Heather Reams. “CRES is proud to support Sen. Tim Scott’s bipartisan Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act, a commonsense improvement that will streamline the approval process for nuclear reactors and save taxpayer dollars while still upholding the high licensing standards of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).”
By advancing legislation like the Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act, we can pave the way for more homegrown nuclear energy. To read more about the importance of nuclear energy, check out CRES President Heather Reams’ op-ed HERE.