From a multilateral agreement to triple global nuclear energy production at COP28 to the powering on of dormant reactors worldwide, 2023 was undoubtedly the year of nuclear power. However, without meaningful regulatory reforms, the year’s success could be an anomaly rather than the norm going forward.
The embrace of nuclear energy was seen internationally and in the United States, where regulators approved the nation’s first advanced reactor design, and a newly built reactor came online for the first time in over thirty years. Despite nuclear power’s progress, the industry still faces stringent and outdated regulations that threaten momentum for the energy source in 2024. Lawmakers must address these impediments and reduce barriers to allow nuclear power to thrive in the new year.
In addition to impressive breakthroughs from the private sector, Congress has also shown its support for nuclear power, culminating with the passage of the ADVANCE Act. Sponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), the ADVANCE Act takes several steps to bolster American nuclear energy generation by capping licensing fees for developers, streamlining permits for coal to nuclear projects, and........