Contact:
Alexah Rogge
202-225-6611
alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Rep. Russ Fulcher, joined by original cosponsor Rep. Mike Simpson, introduced the Integrated Energy Systems Act of 2020 to increase research and to leverage the resources and expertise at our National Laboratories (including Idaho National Laboratory), the Department of Energy, and our higher education institutions. This bill is the House companion bill to Senator Risch’s Senate bill, also cosponsored by Senator Crapo, introduced earlier this Congress, S. 2702, the Integrated Energy Systems Act.
“The Idaho National Laboratory has been developing promising advancements with hybrid energy systems and the application of hydrogen production,” commented Rep. Russ Fulcher. “Clean energy innovations like these at the INL, and throughout the country, must be encouraged and given the regulatory freedom to prosper. I am proud to have worked with my Idaho colleagues to continue our state’s reputation of leading the way in nuclear innovations, and it is wonderful to have Secretary Brouillette make a stop here in Idaho to support our efforts.”
“I have long supported integrated energy systems in my capacity as former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “I thank Congressman Fulcher for introducing this legislation to keep the focus on this important work, which will continue to promote collaboration and innovation in our energy technologies and production. As we know, our own Idaho National Laboratory has been a leader in developing integrated energy systems projects, and I look forward to seeing the impacts of those projects that will reinforce our nation’s energy security.”
Specifically, the Integrated Energy Systems Act of 2020 seeks to:
- Increase innovative research into new fuels that go beyond traditional nuclear production facilities;
- Increase grid integrity and reliability by allowing innovative research on baseload power sources;
- Increase efficiencies of the regulatory review process to speed up the permitting process and lower costs of nuclear development;
- Decrease carbon emissions by forwarding nuclear development in the United States and Idaho.
This bill will also ensure that the Department of Energy is not duplicating research efforts throughout the energy industry and that our tax dollars are used effectively to increase energy deployments throughout the United States and Idaho.
The bill can be read in full here.
###