Subcommittee explores small modular reactors and nuclear licensing reforms as part of energy mix
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Summary
Witnesses and members discussed nuclear power’s role in providing reliable baseload capacity, small modular reactors (SMRs) as scalable options, and regulatory reforms (Advance Act) to speed licensing and deployment.
Members and witnesses highlighted nuclear power — including small modular reactors — as a source of reliable baseload electricity to meet long‑term demand.
Witness Brigham McCown praised legislative steps aimed at modernizing nuclear licensing, noting SMRs’ potential to be replicated and deployed at scale: “The SMRs are a modular plug and play... the idea is to duplicate, to replicate, a particular power plant that has already been licensed again, again.” He urged modernization at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to streamline licensing and standardize designs.
Gary Arnold, representing Pipefitters Local 208, said nuclear can play an important role in communities facing coal plant retirements and that tax credits and loan guarantees in recent laws have supported nuclear advances and carbon capture. Witnesses referenced the Advance Act and the Nuclear Fuel Security Act as recent bipartisan steps to support nuclear fuels and next‑generation reactors. Members and witnesses said recycling and spent‑fuel management, including research into reuse and storage, are part of ongoing discussions.
Committee members asked for additional information and pledged follow‑up oversight; no votes or statutory changes were taken at the hearing.
