# Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act: Plain Language Summary

This bill makes it easier and faster for companies to build and operate new nuclear reactors in the United States by streamlining the approval process. Right now, getting permission to build a nuclear plant can take many years and involve complicated regulatory reviews. This bill tries to speed that up by giving the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (the government agency that approves nuclear projects) clearer guidelines and faster timelines for reviewing applications.

The bill focuses on three main types of nuclear technology. First, it allows the government to help pay for testing advanced nuclear reactors on federal military and energy department sites, which could lead to new reactor designs being demonstrated sooner. Second, it creates special fast-track approval rules for "micro-reactors"—small nuclear reactors that could power remote locations or military bases. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has to develop new licensing rules for these smaller reactors within 18 months and complete approvals within two years instead of the typical five to ten years. Third, for companies building new reactors using designs that have already been approved, the bill requires the government to make a final licensing decision within 25 months instead of the current much longer timeline.

The bill also creates a new program where the federal government can sign long-term contracts to buy nuclear power directly from power plants. This gives nuclear companies more financial certainty, which could encourage them to invest in building new reactors. The government would prioritize buying power from brand-new reactor designs and could use this power for military bases, remote areas, or other national security purposes.

Overall, this bill aims to reduce the time and regulatory burden for deploying new nuclear technology, potentially making nuclear power more competitive with other energy sources and helping the U.S. develop cleaner energy options.

Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act

Hudson, Richard

Advanced Nuclear Deployment Act This bill sets forth requirements to provide for the rapid deployment of new nuclear reactors. Specifically, the bill excludes from Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) fees preapplication activities and review of an application for an early site permit to demonstrate an advanced nuclear reactor on a Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense site. The NRC must also develop and implement (1) risk-informed and performance-based strategies and guidance to license and regulate micro-reactors, and (2) schedules to complete review activities applicable to the licensing of micro-reactors within two years. In addition, the NRC must establish and carry out an expedited procedure for issuing a combined license to construct a new nuclear reactor on or adjacent to a site that already has an existing reactor. Finally, the bill establishes a pilot program that allows DOE to make long-term power purchase agreements for power generated by commercial nuclear reactors.