Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie's bill, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, has successfully passed the House of Representatives as part of Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan’s Atomic Energy Advancement Act.

"I am proud to see my bill the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act pass the United States House of Representatives this evening as part of the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. One of my central priorities in Congress is to help make America energy independent once again. My bill helps us to do just that by using Kentucky’s best resource, our incredible energy workforce. Unfortunately, due to Democrats War on Coal, many coal fired plants have been forced to close. It is essential that Kentucky and our country make the use of our dedicated energy workforce to put our nation back on the path to energy dominance and lower costs for everyday Americans," said Congressman Guthrie.

The Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act aims to direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify and report on the regulations, guidance, or policy necessary to license and allow nuclear facilities at brownfield sites as well as other sites with retired fossil fuel facilities. The NRC would consider how existing site infrastructure can be reused and early site permits, plant parameter envelopes, or standardized applications for similar sites may be used for licensing.

The NRC would be required to develop and implement strategies, including through rulemaking, to enable and support licensing of nuclear facilities, taking into consideration matters relating to existing emergency planning, environmental data and reviews, decontamination and remediation, community engagement, and historical experience with energy use at the sites.

The passage of this bill signifies a step towards enhancing the development of nuclear energy sites in the country, utilizing existing infrastructure and workforce to move towards energy independence.

Click here to view the text of the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act.