Nuclear
Policy

Track federal legislation, state policies, and NRC regulatory updates shaping the future of nuclear energy in the United States.

4Federal
4State
2Regulatory

10 policies

federalenacted
July 9, 2024

ADVANCE Act (Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy)

Signed into law to accelerate the licensing and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. Reduces NRC licensing fees, creates new licensing pathways, and establishes incentives for international nuclear cooperation.

Key Points

  • Reduces NRC licensing fees for advanced reactor applications
  • Creates a new prize for the first advanced reactor to generate electricity
  • Accelerates environmental review timelines
  • Establishes pathway for licensing nuclear facilities at retired fossil fuel sites
  • Directs NRC to develop licensing framework for micro-reactors and SMRs
federalenacted
August 16, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act - Nuclear Production Tax Credit

Provides a production tax credit of up to $15/MWh for existing nuclear power plants at risk of closure, helping maintain the current fleet's operation through 2032.

Key Points

  • Up to $15/MWh production tax credit for existing nuclear plants
  • Credit available from 2024 through 2032
  • Plants must demonstrate financial need to qualify
  • Zero-emission nuclear production credit (45U)
  • Clean electricity production credit (45Y) extends to new nuclear
federalenacted
March 1, 2024

Nuclear Fuel Security Act

Establishes a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain to reduce dependence on Russian uranium imports, authorizing $2.72 billion for uranium enrichment.

Key Points

  • $2.72 billion authorized for domestic uranium enrichment
  • Bans Russian uranium imports with limited waivers through 2027
  • Supports HALEU fuel production for advanced reactors
  • Strengthens domestic fuel cycle capabilities
  • Establishes strategic uranium reserve
federalpending
June 15, 2025

Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Investment

Proposed legislation to fund nuclear infrastructure upgrades and new build projects, including $10 billion for SMR deployment support.

Key Points

  • Proposed $10 billion for SMR deployment support
  • Grid interconnection funding for new nuclear projects
  • Workforce development and training programs
  • Community benefit agreements for host communities
stateenactedCalifornia
September 2, 2022

California SB 846 - Diablo Canyon Extension

Extended the operating life of Diablo Canyon nuclear plant through 2030, reversing the planned 2025 shutdown. Includes $1.4 billion in federal funding support.

Key Points

  • Extended Diablo Canyon operations through 2030
  • $1.4 billion in federal funding secured
  • Maintained 2,250 MWe of carbon-free generation
  • Subject to seismic safety reviews
stateenactedIllinois
September 15, 2021

Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

Provided $694 million in subsidies to keep Illinois nuclear plants operating, recognizing nuclear as essential clean energy for the state's carbon reduction goals.

Key Points

  • $694 million in subsidies for nuclear plants
  • Nuclear included in clean energy portfolio
  • Carbon-free energy credits for at-risk plants
  • Prevents premature closure of Byron and Dresden plants
regulatorypending
January 15, 2025

NRC Small Modular Reactor Licensing Framework

NRC is developing streamlined licensing pathways for SMRs and advanced reactors, with NuScale Power's VOYGR design receiving design certification in 2023.

Key Points

  • NuScale VOYGR SMR design certified by NRC (Jan 2023)
  • Kairos Power Hermes test reactor construction permit approved
  • TerraPower Natrium demonstration project in Wyoming advancing
  • X-energy Xe-100 pebble-bed reactor under NRC review
  • Streamlined licensing timeline targets under ADVANCE Act
regulatoryenacted
April 29, 2024

Vogtle Units 3 & 4 - First New US Reactors in Decades

Vogtle Units 3 and 4 are the first new nuclear reactors built in the US in over 30 years. Unit 3 entered commercial operation July 2023, Unit 4 in April 2024. Both are Westinghouse AP1000 designs.

Key Points

  • Unit 3: commercial operation July 31, 2023 (1,117 MWe)
  • Unit 4: commercial operation April 29, 2024 (1,117 MWe)
  • First AP1000 reactors in the Western Hemisphere
  • Adds 2,234 MWe of carbon-free generation capacity
  • Total project cost approximately $35 billion
stateenactedNew York
August 1, 2016

New York Zero-Emissions Credit Program

New York's ZEC program provides subsidies to nuclear plants to recognize their zero-emission value, helping preserve the state's nuclear fleet.

Key Points

  • Zero-emissions credits valued at ~$17.48/MWh
  • Supports FitzPatrick, Ginna, and Nine Mile Point plants
  • Renewed through Clean Energy Standard
  • Recognizes nuclear as zero-emission generation
stateenactedNew Jersey
April 18, 2019

New Jersey Zero Emission Certificate Program

New Jersey established ZEC program to support nuclear plants, providing approximately $300 million annually to keep Salem and Hope Creek operating.

Key Points

  • ~$300 million annually in nuclear subsidies
  • Supports Salem Units 1 & 2 and Hope Creek
  • Prevents closure of 3,400+ MWe of nuclear capacity
  • Renewed for additional 3-year terms