EC Georgia News

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 6544, the bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which aims to incentivize and advance nuclear energy production in the United States. The legislation includes the Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act sponsored by Congressman Rick W. Allen from Georgia-12.

Congressman Allen expressed his support for the bill, stating, "I rise in support of H.R. 6544, the bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act, which aims to incentivize and advance nuclear energy production in the United States." He emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in the nation's energy strategy, saying, "An all-of-the-above strategy is critical to reclaiming American energy dominance, and as the nation’s largest source of clean energy, nuclear has a pivotal role to play."

The Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act, part of the legislation, aims to improve the licensing review process for future nuclear projects by establishing updated procedures and timelines. Congressman Allen highlighted the significance of this act, stating, "Included in today’s legislation is a bill I sponsored – the Nuclear Licensing Efficiency Act – which would improve the licensing review process for future nuclear projects by establishing updated procedures and timelines for reviewing nuclear licensing applications."

Acknowledging the role of his district in leading the nation's nuclear future, Congressman Allen mentioned, "With the first two new nuclear reactors built in over three decades in the United States located at Plant Vogtle in my district, Georgia-12 is leading our nation’s nuclear future." He also pointed out the challenges faced by nuclear projects in the U.S., mentioning, "But as we saw through the construction process, nuclear projects in the U.S. are often bogged down by burdensome licensing and permitting processes that result in unnecessary delays and cost overruns."

In conclusion, Congressman Allen expressed his pride in contributing to the bipartisan effort to improve nuclear energy regulation, urging support for the bill, "I am proud to have my bill as part of the broader, bipartisan Atomic Energy Advancement Act to improve our nuclear energy regulatory process. I strongly urge a yes vote on H.R. 6544 and I yield back."