Nuclear Energy Act

Christopher Coons

Preamble

Oil and coal have been powering America ever since it was founded.  America often prides itself on its ability to innovate and make the world a better place, so why is innovation so slow when it comes to creating clean and efficient energy sources?  A healthy environment is critical to the health of our nation, and as one of the most influential world leaders, we should be setting a precedent for taking care of the environment. However, this is not possible if we continue to pump millions of tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.  While we have made great strides in the use of solar, water, and wind as renewable energy sources, these are simply not enough to keep up with the growing economy and increased standards of living.  Fortunately, there is one source of power that is efficient, reliable, and with proper care, safe for people and the environment.  That is nuclear power.

In 2020, the U.S. produced about 4.5 million metric tons of CO2 from energy consumption, which contributes to poor air quality, respiratory disease, and a rise in the average global temperature.  On average, one nuclear reactor can replace about three to four coal plants.  They also produce virtually zero carbon emissions, take up significantly less land area than other renewable energy sources, and produce minimal waste.  The Nuclear Regulatory Commission also makes sure that reactors stay safe at all times by keeping two full-time inspectors on-site at every nuclear power plant in the U.S. who can observe any of the operations at any time.

Body

Section 1

As of September 2021, there are 55 commercially operating nuclear power plants in the U.S. and 93 operational nuclear reactors.  This bill would add an additional 15 operating facilities with at least two next-generation nuclear reactors each by the year 2040 as well as maintain the ones currently operating.  Once operating, these additional facilities would have the ability to prevent approximately 130 million metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere every year.

Sub-Section A: A next-generation nuclear reactor is defined as a nuclear reactor similar to the Natrium Reactor which operates using a cooling system filled with molten sodium instead of water and does not rely on an external source of energy to power the cooling system.

Section 2

This bill also seeks to increase the number of nuclear training facilities from four to ten by the year 2030.  Training facilities simulate real-life conditions without the use of nuclear materials and can help ensure that plant operators are able to react appropriately to any number of possible situations.  These facilities will serve as a final test for those who maintain the core functions at nuclear power plants as well as offer peace of mind to those living near active nuclear power plants.

Section 3

In order to fill the new positions that these training facilities and power plants will offer, we will need more people with a keen interest and advanced knowledge in nuclear power.  This will be accomplished through higher education initiatives that promote an interest in nuclear energy and grants, internships, and scholarships for students who are committed to increasing clean energy.

Sub-Section A: This initiative will be called the Nuclear Energy Initiative and has a goal of providing up to $1 million in grants and scholarships for students in nuclear programs each year.  

Section 4

Funding for this bill would come from the Department of Energy which already allocates a significant portion of its budget to nuclear energy.  Additional money would come from the reallocation of DOE funds or Environmental Impact Bonds.

Enactment Clause

The Nuclear Energy Act will go into effect January 1st of 2022 to allow ample time for amendments and appropriations.

Conclusion

Protecting the environment should be one of America’s top priorities, and we should no longer ignore perfectly viable options like nuclear power plants to help us get there.  This bill will increase the number of operational nuclear power plants and training facilities as well as provide incentives and financial aid to those who want to increase clean energy use through nuclear power.