Bowling Green Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, released a statement following the signing of his bill, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, into law this morning.

"Today is a momentous day not only for Kentucky but our energy-producing communities across the nation. I am honored to see my bill, the Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act, be signed into law this morning as part of the ADVANCE Act," said Congressman Guthrie. "This key legislation enacts conservative reforms to reduce unnecessary regulations, utilize existing infrastructure to lower project costs, and incentivize an all-of-the-above energy future to enhance future investment in nuclear power."

Guthrie emphasized the importance of utilizing skilled energy workers: "Importantly, this bill also makes use of our skilled energy workforce that has helped to keep the lights on in our communities for generations. It is crucial that both Kentucky and our nation make use of our dedicated energy workers to put us back on the path to energy dominance and lower energy costs. Republicans have made clear that we can put our nation firmly on the path to enhancing our energy future all while lowering energy costs with Kentucky leading the way in this crucial development."

The Nuclear for Brownfields Site Preparation Act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to identify and report on 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 will consider how existing site infrastructure can be reused and how early site permits, plant parameter envelopes, or standardized applications for similar sites may be used for licensing.

The NRC is required to develop and implement strategies through rulemaking to enable and support licensing of nuclear facilities. This includes considerations related to existing emergency planning, environmental data and reviews, decontamination and remediation, community engagement, and historical experience with energy use at these sites.

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

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