# Plain Language Summary: 21st Century American Atomic Energy Age Act

This bill is designed to speed up the development of small nuclear reactors in the United States and reduce America's dependence on Russian nuclear fuel. Small modular nuclear reactors are compact nuclear power plants that generate up to 200 megawatts of electricity—much smaller than traditional nuclear plants. The bill makes it easier for companies to get approval to build and operate these reactors by having the Nuclear Regulatory Commission provide technical assistance to applicants going through the licensing process. This could help get new nuclear plants built faster than the current system allows.

The bill also completely bans the import of nuclear fuel from Russia and prohibits using Russian-produced nuclear material in small modular reactors anywhere in the United States. This is a direct response to concerns about energy security and reducing reliance on Russia for uranium and other nuclear materials. The Commerce Department will have to create rules within six months to make sure companies follow this ban. Additionally, the bill extends liability protections for nuclear power plant operators through the Price-Anderson Act until 2045, giving the nuclear industry more long-term certainty about legal protections.

The bill creates a new office within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission called the Office of Nuclear, Economic, Environmental, and National Security. This office will review how nuclear energy benefits the country by reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, supporting the economy, and strengthening national security. The office will also study whether the regulatory process itself needs changes to encourage more nuclear energy development. Within a year, this office must report to Congress with recommendations on streamlining nuclear regulation.

Finally, the bill directs the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, and Defense to identify critical infrastructure—like military bases, hospitals, or data centers—that could benefit from having small modular reactors nearby to ensure reliable power supply during emergencies.