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US HR4066

US HR4066
Nuclear Innovation Act


summary

Introduced
11/18/2015
In Committee
09/30/2016
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2017

Introduced Session

114th Congress

Bill Summary

Nuclear Innovation Act This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out a program for enhancing the U.S. capability to develop new reactor technologies through high-performance computation modeling and simulation techniques. Such program shall coordinate with relevant federal agencies through the National Strategic Computing Initiative while taking into account specified objectives. DOE shall also carry out a program to: enable the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts proposed and funded by the private sector, and leverage the technical expertise of relevant federal agencies and national laboratories to minimize the time required to enable construction and operation of privately funded experimental reactors at national laboratories or other DOE-owned sites. These reactors shall operate to: enable physical validation of novel reactor concepts; resolve technical uncertainty and increase practical knowledge relevant to safety, resilience, security, and functionality of first-of-a-kind reactor concepts; and generate research and development to improve nascent technologies.

AI Summary

This bill, the Nuclear Innovation Act, directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish programs aimed at advancing U.S. nuclear reactor technology. One key provision focuses on enhancing the nation's ability to develop new reactor designs through advanced computer modeling and simulation, coordinating with other federal agencies under the National Strategic Computing Initiative. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a program to support the testing and demonstration of private sector-funded reactor concepts, leveraging the expertise of federal agencies and national laboratories to expedite the construction and operation of experimental reactors at DOE-owned sites. These privately funded reactors will serve to physically validate new reactor designs, address technical uncertainties related to safety, security, and functionality, and foster research and development for emerging technologies. The bill also defines terms like "advanced fission reactor" as a nuclear reactor with significant improvements over current generations, offering enhanced safety, reduced waste, and greater efficiency.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy. (on 09/30/2016)

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