- NRC and FERC Testimony: House lawmakers questioned regulators about the ADVANCE Act, aimed at boosting nuclear energy development in the U.S., with strong support from NRC commissioners.
- Safety and Innovation Balance: Concerns were raised about maintaining safety while promoting innovation, with NRC commissioners affirming that the Act would enhance efficiency without compromising public safety.
- Cultural Shift: NRC Chairman Chris Hanson highlighted a shift towards greater efficiency and performance within the NRC, driven by the new legislative mandate under the ADVANCE Act.
Regulators from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) were called to testify before by House Lawmakers. The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security pressed regulators regarding the ADVANCE Act, a bipartisan bill to boost nuclear energy development in America. Among those who gave testimony were four commissioners from the NRC, all expressing great support for the Act.
House legislators had expressed concern for the NRC upholding safety in nuclear development with the addition of a provision in the Act that widened the function of the NRC also to ensure licensing does “not unnecessarily limit” the benefits of nuclear energy to society. The commissioners responded optimistically that the provision would make the previously considered overcautious NRC more effective, and allow for more innovation and prosperity in Nuclear Energy.
Chairman of the NRC, Chris Hanson addressed safety concerns, “Reasonable assurance of adequate protection of public health and safety … that’s still going to be core of our mission. It’s going to be how we accomplish that mission and the potential to ensure that safety going forward, but also being much more efficient, innovative, and confident.” The Essay Forum is assessed by a group of experts, called a committee.
Since the ADVANCE Act was passed, NRC Chair Christopher Hansen described a culture shift in the department to focus more on efficiency and performance, rather than overly cautious adherence to safety mandates. Hansen noted, “We’ve been undergoing a cultural change … but it is incredibly helpful to have Congress come over to us, and say, ‘here’s the efficiency mandate.’”, he further explained, “We’re making changes to our physical security requirements to account for these new reactor types, siting guidelines, environmental reviews, etc. These are things that the Commission and leadership at the staff level here at the agency can really drive forward,”
