The goal of the nuclear industry is to provide clean, very low-carbon, reliable baseload electricity today and in the future through the construction of new nuclear plants and continuation of the superb performance of the existing fleet.

Sustaining the momentum for new nuclear plant construction requires legislative and oversight support for key policy initiatives including: streamlined, effective, safe and secure regulation; funds for industry-government partnerships in technology development; and expedited, adequate, workable implementation of the loan guarantees and production tax credits provided by the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

• Seventeen companies or consortia had filed license applications with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for construction of as many as 26 new reactors by the end of 2008.  Oversight of this process will be a major effort during the 111th Congress and in the future.
• By the end of 2009, the industry will have invested more than $2 billion in design, engineering, licensing and procurement of long-lead-time components for new nuclear power plants.
• The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that U.S. electricity demand will increase between 25 percent and 45 percent by 2030.  Just to maintain the nuclear share of total electricity production constant at its current 20 percent will require at least 35 additional nuclear power plants.

Key industry priorities during the 111th Congress include:

NEW NUCLEAR PLANT DEVELOPMENT

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Power 2010 program required government-industry matching funds of $110 million in fiscal 2007,  $183 million in fiscal 2008 and continuing funds into fiscal 2009 to complete design and engineering work for advanced reactor designs.  This work will allow companies to develop firm cost estimates for new nuclear plants.  It will also allow companies to follow through on their NRC license applications in a timely manner and, subsequently, to seek approval from corporate boards of directors and state regulatory authorities to begin construction of new plants.
• Implementation of the loan guarantee provisions in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 during the 111th Congress is essential to bringing on new nuclear generation in a timely fashion.

JOBS, ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND LONG-RANGE ECONOMIC SECURITY

• The economic downturn is projected by many to have longer-term consequences than initially thought.  Large infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, etc., have a great impact on near-, mid- and long-term job creation.  Large energy projects such as nuclear power plants have a similar effect.  Although these plants take several years to start providing electricity to the grid, site preparation and the extensive and complex support infrastructure needed before and during construction provide a significant number of immediate jobs.  The jobs, greenhouse gas emission reductions and energy security that nuclear power plants provide make them a compelling addition to potential economic stimulus programs.
• Construction of a new, large nuclear plant provides as many as 2,400 jobs over several years; operation of such a plant provides between 400 and 700 permanent jobs over many decades.  These “green jobs” provide electricity that is affordable, reliable, high-volume and available 24 hours a day while releasing virtually no CO₂ into the atmosphere.

NRC FUNDING AND NOMINATIONS

• Sufficient funding is needed for the NRC in fiscal 2009 and 2010 to ensure completion of the rulemakings needed for new nuclear plant licensing and to ensure efficient review of new plant license applications.  Although the industry reimburses the federal government through user fees for all costs associated with licensing and regulation of commercial nuclear power facilities, Congress must appropriate funds to support these activities in advance.
• During the first session of the 111th Congress, at least two seats on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be open.  To ensure a fully effective commission, all five seats must be filled so that important rulings and orders can be handed down in a thoughtful and well-considered manner.  The nuclear industry will benefit from the selection of the most highly qualified and experienced candidates.

USED NUCLEAR FUEL MANAGEMENT

• Action by the federal government to meet its statutory and contractual obligations to move used nuclear fuel from operating plants, decommissioned reactor sites and defense facilities is eight years behind schedule.  At least another decade will pass before any currently planned solution is operational.  The lack of performance to date exposes the federal government to billions of dollars in judgments and settlements.
• The industry supports the convening of a blue-ribbon commission to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the used fuel management program.  This commission should consider the possibility of creating a new government entity to develop the infrastructure necessary to manage and operate a used fuel program.  The commission should also examine related issues, including:

• Development of centralized interim storage facilities necessary to demonstrate the federal government’s ability to meet its obligations under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act
• Research and development to demonstrate advanced fuel-cycle technologies.