Contact:
Alexah Rogge
202-225-6611
alexah.rogge@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As our country celebrates National Clean Energy Week, Congressman Russ Fulcher recognizes the impact of renewable energy in Idaho, and introduces new legislation to continue innovation in nuclear energy. With support from Congressman Mike Simpson, Congressman Fulcher introduced the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act, to direct DOE to lay out a 10-year strategic plan for the Office of Nuclear Energy. This plan will be a roadmap for the future of research and development that is essential to setting goals and achieving them.
Each section of the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act has a similar Senate companion. The bill includes:
- The Integrated Energy Systems Program seeks to develop energy systems that integrate nuclear with renewable energy, fossil energy, and energy storage. This follows an all-of-the-above energy approach Republicans have stressed.
- The Light Water Reactor Sustainability Program seeks to achieve the maximum benefit from existing nuclear power generation. The amount of clean electricity lost from the 10 nuclear reactors scheduled to close in the next 5 years would be 23 percent more than all of the solar electricity generated in the U.S. in 2017. If our current fleet goes, so goes any effort to reach a carbon free future.
- The final section, the Nuclear Energy Strategic Plan, directs DOE to lay out a 10-year strategic plan for the Office of Nuclear Energy. This plan will be a roadmap for the future of research and development that is essential to setting goals and achieving them.
“From geothermal production on federal lands to nuclear energy, Idaho is deeply involved in clean energy opportunities,”commented Congressman Fulcher. “I am proud to represent the Gem State and introduce bipartisan, bicameral pieces of legislation like the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act, to ensure our progress in the clean energy sectors are not stalled due to failure to look forward and set out a road map for success.”
Idaho generates over three fourths of it’s in-state electricity from renewable energy, including biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar, and wind. There are currently 140 existing hydroelectric plants in the state, including Idaho Power's privately-owned hydroelectric facilities that are the largest in the nation.
The National Clean Energy Week Symposium is held virtually from September 21 to September 25, with speakers and informational sessions scheduled. Those wishing to participate can register online by visiting: https://nationalcleanenergyweek.org/.
Read the full bill text of the Next Generation Nuclear Advancement Act here.