Casten, Colleagues Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Nuclear Science and Engineering Programs at American Universities Advances through Science, Space, and Technology Committee
Today, the National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021, introduced by U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Peter Meijer (R-MI), and Bill Foster (D-IL) passed out of the House Space, Science and Technology Committee. The legislation will enhance the educational and research capabilities of nuclear science and engineering programs, meet the workforce needs of the U.S. nuclear industry, and accelerate the development of advanced nuclear technologies in the U.S.
"By revitalizing America's nuclear science and engineering infrastructure alongside our national labs to develop a new generation of advanced nuclear technology, we will take a critical step in building a zero-carbon energy system necessary to avert the most devastating impacts of the climate crisis." said Rep. Casten.
"As our country shifts towards a 21st Century grid, nuclear science and engineering programs will play a key role in advancing the next generation of reactors and developing a diverse workforce to operate them," said Rep. Gonzalez. "I am excited to introduce this bipartisan bill that will support our young scientists and engineers, advance the research and development of advanced nuclear technologies, and restore U.S. leadership in nuclear energy."
"Nuclear energy plays a critical role in our energy future and must be a component of any discussion surrounding how we respond to climate change," said Rep. Meijer. "It is imperative that we invest in and empower the best and brightest of the next generation to ensure we have a workforce that is equipped to lead the world in the nuclear industry. I am proud to join this bipartisan effort."
"The National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021 is a critical step in ensuring our transition to a zero-carbon energy system. Modernizing the nation's nuclear energy research infrastructure will help to attract the nation's best minds to our nation's universities as we develop a new generation of advanced nuclear energy. I commend and thank Representative Meijer and his colleagues for recognizing the importance of nuclear energy to our nation's energy security and the value of the associated jobs." –Todd Allen, Professor and Chair of the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, the University of Michigan
"The Nuclear Innovation Alliance is excited to support the proposed National Nuclear University Research Reinvestment Act. Our universities are the foundation of American leadership in technology and innovation, and the proposed legislation would build on that legacy. This bill would not only strengthen institutional capabilities. It would also invest in a new generation of nuclear energy researchers from diverse backgrounds, unleashing a new wave of nuclear innovation." – Judi Greenwald, Executive Director, Nuclear Innovation Alliance
The National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021 would:
- Revitalize America's nuclear science and engineering programs by providing universities the resources to upgrade their existing infrastructure and establish regional or sub regional consortia that promote collaboration with industry and Department of Energy (DOE) national labs.
- Require the DOE to stand up a program that establishes no more than four new major nuclear science and engineering facilities at U.S. universities. These facilities would focus their efforts on demonstrating various advanced and micronuclear reactor concepts, medical isotope production reactors, and other critical research infrastructure.
- To attract and educate a more diverse workforce, the facilities would be set up in a partnership framework between the host university and collaborating universities – including historically black colleges and universities, minority serving institutions, and community colleges.
The full text of the bill is available here.
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