Newhouse Introduces Legislation to Strengthen American Energy Independence

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Elaine Luria (D-VA) introduced the Nuclear Power Purchase Agreement Act. This legislation would establish a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement program, directing the Secretary of Energy to enter into one or more agreements to purchase nuclear power from reactors licensed after January 2020. It also requires the Secretary of Energy to enter into one national security-related nuclear power purchase agreement prior to 2026 to provide reliable and resilient power in remote off-grid and emergency scenarios.

"Nuclear technologies are a vital part of our nation's energy portfolio, and we must continue to create a strong pathway forward for nuclear research and technologies," said Rep. Newhouse. "This legislation would bring the federal government and industry together and encourage continued innovation to bolster our national security, provide reliable and resilient power in remote off-grid and emergency scenarios, and create jobs in communities like ours in Central Washington."

"Having operated nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers, I know nuclear energy has immense potential as a clean and safe energy source," said Rep. Luria. "Almost one-third of the Commonwealth's energy is derived from nuclear power and my goal is to continue to make Virginia a national leader in driving American energy independence. The Nuclear Power Purchase Agreements Act will direct the federal government to purchase power from advanced nuclear reactors. This will incentivize innovation in the nuclear sector and spark more widespread adoption of nuclear power. As we strive to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions, nuclear energy must be part of the solution."

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

Background:

• This bill would establish a long-term, up to forty years, nuclear PPA program. It would direct the Secretary of Energy to consult with other federal agencies that could benefit from purchasing nuclear power and direct the Secretary to enter into one or more agreements to purchase power from newly licensed reactors.
• Additionally, the bill would carve out a special PPA to address national security concerns. This would direct the Secretary of Energy to enter at least one national security related PPA before 2026 that would provide reliable and resilient power in remote off grid and emergency scenarios.

###