WASHINGTON, April 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ClearPath Action, a 501(c)4 working to accelerate conservative clean energy solutions lead by conservative philanthropist Jay Faison, has issued a letter of support for H.R. 4979, the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016. The measure was the subject of a legislative hearing held earlier today in the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) are the original co-sponsors of the legislation. The full text of the letter is included below:
Chairman Ed Whitfield
Energy and Power Subcommittee
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce
Washington, DC 20515
Ranking Member Bobby Rush
Energy and Power Subcommittee
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representatives,
On behalf of ClearPath Action, a 501(c)4 organization working to accelerate conservative clean energy solutions, we wish to express our support for Congressman Latta's legislation HR 4979, the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016.
Nuclear power is one of the most important energy resources of the United States, representing a triumph of American ingenuity and engineering. Nuclear energy is highly reliable, clean and affordable, and is a vital part of our electricity mix.
Nuclear plants built decades ago still safely provide 20% of our electricity. But as these plants near retirement, a new generation of advanced nuclear technology is being developed by dozens of companies and universities across the nation. Advanced nuclear reactors promise benefits from increased safety and affordability, resistance to proliferation, and the ability to run on old nuclear waste.
Several of these advanced nuclear companies will begin applying for design certifications within the next 5 years, and one company called NuScale Power plans to apply by the end of 2016. However, expensive and arduous regulations at the NRC are encouraging others to build abroad for initial deployment.
Instead of driving our engineers overseas, we should be promoting a regulatory environment that is safe, innovative and efficient. The Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016 directs the NRC to plan for a technology-neutral licensing plan that promotes safety without being overly prescriptive. Furthermore, the bill modifies the NRC fee recovery mechanism so today's nuclear operators aren't required to fund other companies' advanced nuclear technologies.
Along with H.R.4084, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, which has already passed both chambers, this legislation builds a new wave of policy promoting nuclear innovation that can help put America on a pathway to a conservative clean energy future.
Sincerely,
Jay Faison
President
ClearPath Action Fund for Conservative Clean Energy, Inc.
300 New Jersey St, NW, #907
Washington, DC 20001
cc: Representatives Robert Latta and Jerry McNerney
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SOURCE ClearPath Action
