Charleston Leader

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and U.S. Senator Tom Carper have secured an important extension of the Price-Anderson Act in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. In a joint statement, the senators highlighted the significance of the extension, emphasizing the role of the Price-Anderson Act in supporting the expansion of carbon-free nuclear energy in the United States.

Capito and Carper stated, "For more than six decades, the Price-Anderson Act has provided the necessary certainty to enable the expansion of carbon-free nuclear energy, which now provides about 20 percent of America’s electricity and nearly half of America’s clean energy. The extension of the Price-Anderson Act in the minibus sends a clear message that we are committed to the advancement of this safe and reliable power source, but this is only the first step. We must send bipartisan legislation to boost the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies to the president’s desk this year, and we are united in our commitment to doing so."

The extension of the Price-Anderson Act is crucial as innovative nuclear technologies are developed and licensed. The act, which is currently set to expire on December 31, 2025, provides stability and predictability to deploy reliable, emissions-free advanced nuclear reactors in the United States. Additionally, the act plays a vital role in helping advanced reactors secure insurance in the private marketplace.

Capito and Carper's ADVANCE Act includes language to extend the Price-Anderson Act, demonstrating their dedication to supporting the development and deployment of new nuclear technologies. The full six-bill appropriations text, including the Price-Anderson Act extension language, can be found on page 1007 of the document.

The extension of the Price-Anderson Act marks a significant milestone in the advancement of nuclear energy in the United States, paving the way for further progress in the sector.