What does Preamble of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to encourage the development and deployment of nuclear energy, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026.

What does DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AUTHORITIES FOR NUCLEAR FACILITIES. of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974, revising Section 202 to focus on licensing and regulatory functions for selected Department of Energy facilities. The amendments to the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 replace references to the 'Administration' with the 'Department of Energy'. Section 3134 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 is amended to update cross-references within the Energy Reorganization Act. The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 is amended to update references to sections of the Energy Reorganization Act. Section 110a of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 is amended to expand the Department of Energy's authority regarding construction and operation of facilities involving nuclear materials. Section 958(g) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended to clarify financial protection requirements. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is required to revise certain Code of Federal Regulations sections within one year of the Act's enactment to remove limitations on the Secretary of Energy's authority. Activities authorized and regulated by the Department of Energy and posing a risk of public liability must adhere to the financial protection requirements of the Price-Anderson Act.

What does NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD. of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the 'Nuclear Energy Launch Pad' within the Office of Nuclear Energy as a program component. The Launch Pad aims to identify and designate 'Nuclear Energy Launch Pad Zones' on Federal land, including National Laboratory sites, for testing and demonstrating advanced nuclear technologies. The Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy will solicit and select eligible private entities through a competitive process to participate in the Launch Pad. The Assistant Secretary will provide basic infrastructure and conduct land characterization activities within the Launch Pad Zones. Agreements with eligible private entities may take various forms, such as enhanced use leases or Strategic Partnership Project agreements. The Assistant Secretary will seek to leverage existing Department authorities and coordinate with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to provide expedited licensing pathways. Eligible private entities are responsible for the full costs of design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of advanced nuclear technologies. The Assistant Secretary may require financial assurance from eligible private entities to ensure obligations are fulfilled.

What does ROLE OF FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS WITH RESPECT TO of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 302(a) of the Department of Energy Organization Act. The Secretary is authorized to utilize Federal power marketing administrations to purchase, transmit, or contract for electric power generated by nuclear facilities. This authority is subject to existing authorities, limitations, and procedural requirements applicable to Federal power marketing administrations. References to Federal power or electric energy generated at a Federal project are deemed to include electric energy generated by a nuclear facility if purchased, transmitted, or marketed by a Federal power marketing agency. This section clarifies that it does not alter or supersede existing authorities, limitations, or procedural requirements for Federal power marketing administrations.

What does ADVANCED REACTOR DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM. of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

Section 959A of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended. Subsection (f) of Section 959A is redesignated as subsection (g). A new subsection (f) is inserted after subsection (e) of Section 959A. The program established under subsection (b) will be administered by the Office of Nuclear Energy of the Department. The Secretary must take actions within 30 days of the enactment of the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 to carry out the administration by the Office of Nuclear Energy.

What does SURPLUS PLUTONIUM FOR COMMERCIAL REACTORS. of Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes the "Surplus Plutonium for Commercial Reactors Program" within the Office of Nuclear Energy. The Program will continue ongoing activities to solicit, evaluate, and enter into agreements with industry for utilizing surplus plutonium in advanced nuclear reactor fuel. The Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, in collaboration with other secretaries, will identify and select commercial fuel fabricators to receive and utilize surplus plutonium. Agreements will be entered into with participants under the Department of Energy Organization Act. Plutonium distribution will be milestone-based, requiring participants to meet technical, security, and safeguards milestones. Initial agreements must be executed within 180 days of enactment, and material distribution must commence by January 1, 2028, with completion by January 1, 2035. The Surplus Plutonium Dilute and Dispose Program will be terminated within 180 days of enactment, with the exception of material posing a safety concern or not useful to the Office of Nuclear Energy. Unobligated funds from the terminated program will be transferred to the Office of Nuclear Energy to support the new program. The Assistant Secretary must provide annual briefings to specified congressional committees on the Program's progress.

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Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/14/2026 · Introduced: 4/14/2026

Author: Mike Lee (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill updates several existing laws, including the Energy Reorganization Act of 1974 and the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, to expand the Department of Energy's authority over nuclear facilities and streamline regulatory processes.
It establishes the 'Nuclear Energy Launch Pad' program to designate zones on federal land for testing and demonstrating advanced nuclear technologies, supporting private entities through infrastructure and expedited licensing.
The bill authorizes the Department of Energy to utilize Federal power marketing administrations to purchase and transmit electric power generated by nuclear facilities, aligning them with existing authorities.
It creates the 'Surplus Plutonium for Commercial Reactors Program' to facilitate the use of surplus plutonium in advanced reactor fuel, setting timelines for agreements and material distribution.
The bill terminates the 'Surplus Plutonium Dilute and Dispose Program' and redirects its unobligated funds to support the newly established plutonium utilization program.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

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