Rep. Jeff Duncan Releases Blueprint for Nuclear Innovation and Competitiveness

Ahead of the beginning of the 118th Congress, Representative Jeff Duncan of South Carolina has released “A Blueprint for Nuclear Innovation and Competitiveness” to spur conversations on how to advance U.S. nuclear technology and regulatory policy. The document highlights the need for U.S. technological leadership in nuclear technologies to support a wide variety of national policy goals. It also provides a roadmap for how the U.S. can address fuel supply and safety issues, licensing and Nuclear Regulatory Committee (NRC) modernization, civil nuclear industry financing, and the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle in storage, recycling, and reprocessing.

“The United States has the technological and engineering capabilities to be the world leader in nuclear energy, and we must modernize our current system to ensure the United States’ nuclear dominance,” said Congressman Duncan. “For the United States to maintain a geopolitical advantage and strong national defense, the ability to provide affordable and reliable energy to consumers, and meet climate goals of the 21st century, it is essential to advance the nuclear industry by streamlining and modernizing regulatory hurdles that disincentivize private sector investment.”
 
Rep. Duncan is a member of the House Committee on Energy & Commerce and a strong supporter of energy research and innovation, particularly nuclear energy, as South Carolina is home to the Savannah River Nuclear complex supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.
 
The “Blueprint for Nuclear Innovation and Competitiveness” is available here.