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119-s-4284119th CongressWALLET

Nuclear Energy Innovation and Deployment Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Lee, Mike [R-UT]

Introduced

Summary

Shift nuclear licensing to the Department of Energy to speed advanced reactor development. This bill would expand DOE authority over licensing and regulation for DOE-contracted activities and some commercial fuel-cycle work, create a Nuclear Energy Launch Pad to test advanced reactors on federal land or national lab sites, and set up a milestone-driven program to move surplus plutonium into reactor fuel.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Federal power agencies buy nuclear energy

If enacted, the bill would let Federal power marketing agencies buy, transmit, and market electricity from nuclear plants under their existing rules. When a Federal power agency buys or markets nuclear energy, that energy would count as 'Federal power' under federal law unless a law says otherwise. Agencies must follow their usual authorities and procedures when using this new ability.

Nuclear Energy Launch Pad program

If enacted, DOE would create a Nuclear Energy Launch Pad inside its Office of Nuclear Energy to name Launch Pad Zones on Federal land and national labs. DOE must start a competitive solicitation within 180 days after enactment to pick private companies for testing and demonstration. Companies selected would pay all costs to design, build, run, and clean up their projects and may need phased financial assurance like bonds or insurance. DOE could provide basic site infrastructure on DOE land when practicable and allow non-Federal sites to qualify later.

Turning surplus plutonium into reactor fuel

If enacted, DOE would create a milestone-based program to give surplus weapons plutonium to qualified U.S. fuel fabricators to make advanced reactor fuel. DOE must sign initial agreements within 180 days after enactment, begin giving material by January 1, 2028, and finish distribution by January 1, 2035, but only after participants meet technical, security, and safeguards milestones. The bill would end the existing Dilute and Dispose program within 180 days, move unobligated funds to DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, and require restarting HB Line operations at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina. DOE must still finish disposing of any material that raises safety concerns and preserve existing legal obligations to South Carolina.

Energy Department nuclear licensing shift

If enacted, the bill would let the Energy Department or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission license certain nuclear construction, operation, and fuel activities done for the Energy Department at any location. It would let DOE-regulated activities that involve public liability follow the Price-Anderson indemnity rules. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission would have to revise rules within one year to remove limits on DOE off-site authority. DOE and NRC could use a memorandum of understanding to speed licensing for technologies tested under the Launch Pad.

Advanced reactor demonstration program moved

If enacted, the bill would move the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program into DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy. The Secretary would have to complete the transfer within 30 days after enactment. This is an internal administrative change and would not directly change who gets money or pays costs.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Lee, Mike [R-UT]

UT • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 4/14/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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