What is Section 601... "35 million annually in grants to communities impacted by nuclear closures. plus 5 million/yr to administer these grants" about? I mean from NRC perspective? Giving them all the credit possible?
Sec 601 provides money to communities which have been impacted by a nuke closure.
How this ADVANCEs nuclear power is most unclear. At a guess, Schumer insisted on it as a sop to Indian Point.
We cant blame this nonsense on the NRC. This is Congress and the Administration's failure to do anything to correct a tragically misdirected regualtory system. The NRC is just doing what we told it to do. The enemy is us.
Thanks correction. On a skim, the only substantive change is a new Sec 105
allowing the Secretary of Energy to relax 810 export controls for countries that have not signed 123 agreements on a country by country basis. This seems pretty arbitrary but could be helpful depending on how it is employed.
I tried doing it with Chat GPT but it was pretty useless so I had to go through it line by line and there were actually quiet a few changes.
Here is everything that I found:
SEC. 101. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR REACTOR EXPORT AND INNOVATION
ACTIVITIES.
The secretary of state was added.
SEC. 103. EXPORT LICENSE NOTIFICATION.
Other committees were added like the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives
SEC. 104. COORDINATED INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
was replaced by
SEC. 104. GLOBAL NUCLEAR ENERGY ASSESSMENT
The Act mandates the Secretary of Energy, in collaboration with other federal agencies, to conduct a study within a year on the global civilian nuclear energy industry and its supply chains. The study will assess the industry's status, long-term risks, emissions reduction capabilities compared to other energy sectors, and its role in U.S. foreign policy and alliances. It will also examine how foreign countries, including strategic
competitors, utilize nuclear energy in diplomacy, and evaluate U.S. contributions to nuclear nonproliferation, security efforts, and safety standards globally. Additionally, the study will analyze the economic benefits to U.S. industries beyond nuclear from nuclear power generation and detail challenges faced by U.S. utilities and companies in the nuclear supply chain. Recommendations will be provided on developing a national
strategy to enhance nuclear energy's role in diplomacy and energy policy, mitigating foreign competition in nuclear diplomacy, aligning nuclear policy with national security goals, and modernizing regulatory frameworks to strengthen the U.S. nuclear supply chain.
SEC. 105. PROCESS FOR REVIEW AND AMENDMENT OF PART 810
GENERALLY AUTHORIZED DESTINATIONS.
This Act directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to identify and assess factors other than Section 123 agreements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 that could determine a country's status as a generally authorized destination under part 810 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Secretary of Energy is required to update the Department of Energy's process for determining and listing such countries in Appendix A to part 810 CFR, considering the factors identified. Additionally, the Secretary must review and potentially revise the list in Appendix A at least once every five years following the initial review, ensuring it reflects current international relations and national security interests regarding nuclear technology transfer.
“This might be a preparation for a Saudi Deal”
SEC. 205. CLARIFICATION ON FUSION REGULATION.
Fusion machines and fusion reactors were defined and their uses stated in the new act of 2024. The estimated timeline for the Commission to issue consolidated guidance or regulations for licensing mass-manufactured fusion machines, taking into account
SEC. 206. REGULATORY ISSUES FOR NUCLEAR FACILITIES AT BROWNFIELD
SITES.
The term covered site was added.
SEC. 207. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION NUCLEAR ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT.
This section was removed: Manchin lost power?
NEW: SEC. 207. COMBINED LICENSE REVIEW PROCEDURE.
This section was added, demanding that the NRC to establish and implement an expedited procedure for issuing combined licenses under Section AEA 185b. To qualify for this expedited process, an applicant must submit a combined license application for a new nuclear reactor that references a design already certified by the NRC or is substantially similar to an existing licensed reactor design. The proposed reactor must be located on or adjacent to a site where a licensed commercial nuclear reactor currently operates or previously operated, with similar site characteristics. Additionally, the applicant must not be under an NRC order to suspend or revoke a license. Once these qualifications are met, the NRC must, to the extent feasible, complete technical reviews and issue safety evaluations within 18 months of docketing the application, conduct necessary public licensing hearings within 2 years, and make a final decision on the license within 25 months of docketing. Any delays beyond these timelines require the NRC to promptly notify the Commission and, if delays exceed 90 days, provide detailed explanations and plans for completing the outstanding actions to Congress
SEC. 208. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR MICRO-REACTORS
This section was added, This section of the Act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) to undertake several actions related to the regulation of micro-reactors under Section 103 of the Atomic Energy Act. Within 18 months of the Act's enactment, the NRC must develop risk-informed and performance-based strategies and guidance for licensing and regulating micro-reactors, covering areas such as staffing, oversight, security, emergency preparedness, risk analysis methods, decommissioning funding, transportation, and siting considerations. These strategies should align with existing regulatory frameworks or be integrated into a new technology-inclusive framework as specified under the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, or through new rulemaking processes. Within three years of enactment, the NRC is required to implement these strategies, considering the unique characteristics of micro-reactors and consulting with the Secretary of Energy, other federal agencies, micro-reactor developers, and stakeholders throughout the process
SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF THE PRICE-ANDERSON ACT.
This section was removed
SEC. 403. REPORT ON COMMISSION READINESS AND CAPACITY TO LICENSE
ADDITIONAL CONVERSION AND ENRICHMENT CAPACITY TO REDUCE
RELIANCE ON URANIUM FROM RUSSIA.
This section was removed
SEC. 405. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR SUPERFUND ACTIONS AT
ABANDONED MINING SITES ON TRIBAL LAND.
This section was removed
SEC. 501. COMMISSION WORKFORCE
The roles of the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission were changed whereby in the old act he established the positions described in paragraph(2) and also appointed persons to the positions established under subparagraph (A).
And in Act of 2024 recruit and directly appoint exceptionally well-qualified individuals into the
excepted service for covered positions; and establish in the excepted service term-limited
covered positions and recruit and directly appoint exceptionally well-qualified individuals into
such term-limited covered positions, which may not exceed a term of 4 years.
The positions to be appointed were removed.
SEC. 505. NUCLEAR LICENSING EFFICIENCY.
Within 18 months of enactment, the NRC must create risk-informed and performance-based approaches covering staffing, oversight, security, emergency preparedness, risk analysis, decommissioning funding, transportation, and siting considerations. These efforts are to be aligned with existing regulatory frameworks or integrated into new technology-inclusive frameworks. Implementation must occur within three years, incorporating considerations for the unique characteristics of micro-reactors, such as their small physical size, design simplicity, and specific source term issues. Throughout the process, the NRC is required to consult with the Secretary of Energy, other federal agencies, micro-reactor developers, and relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and effective
regulatory strategies.
SEC. 506. MODERNIZATION OF NUCLEAR REACTOR ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEWS.
This section was added, The Commission must submit a report to Congress within 180 days
detailing its efforts to streamline environmental reviews for nuclear reactor license applications, including the use of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and generic environmental impact statements. The report should describe actions to implement amendments to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and consider various strategies for improving the efficiency of these reviews. These strategies include adopting documents from other agencies, using mitigated findings, relying on prior studies, coordinating with other agencies, and utilizing new technologies. Additionally, the report should outline potential revisions to regulations and guidance documents to facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable reviews while maintaining public openness and reducing burdens on stakeholders. A schedule for rulemaking on these measures must also be included.
SEC. 507. IMPROVING OVERSIGHT AND INSPECTION PROGRAMS
This section was added, The Commission is required to submit a report to Congress within one year, identifying specific improvements to nuclear reactor and materials oversight and inspection programs under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The report should focus on maximizing efficiency through risk-informed, performance-based procedures, information technology integration, and staff training. It will be developed with input from other regulatory agencies, the nuclear industry, NGOs, and the public. The report must assess elements such as travel resources,inspection planning, document preparation, and cross-cutting issues, and recommend measures to eliminate duplicative activities, use templates, and provide periodic staff training. It will also consider advancing risk-informed procedures, including AI and machine learning, and assess theCommission's ability to support licensee innovations. The report will outline specific recommendations and actions for implementation, ensuring they align with the Commission's Mission.
SEC. 601. NUCLEAR CLOSURE COMMUNITIES.
This section was removed
SEC. 603. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
This section was added, Nothing in this Act affects authorities of the Department of State.
I just wish I didn’t agree with you so much. Sigh
Advance = Go no where
Oh Advance = More Solar and Wind!!
Oh so true. You have to laugh between tears.
So depressing
What is Section 601... "35 million annually in grants to communities impacted by nuclear closures. plus 5 million/yr to administer these grants" about? I mean from NRC perspective? Giving them all the credit possible?
Gordon,
The text of the act is at https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/1111/text
Sec 601 provides money to communities which have been impacted by a nuke closure.
How this ADVANCEs nuclear power is most unclear. At a guess, Schumer insisted on it as a sop to Indian Point.
We cant blame this nonsense on the NRC. This is Congress and the Administration's failure to do anything to correct a tragically misdirected regualtory system. The NRC is just doing what we told it to do. The enemy is us.
Schumer / Indian Point ... sounds like a good guess. Thx.
I think S.1111 is the old ADVANCE act of 2023, S.870 is the one that got passed.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/870/text
Stefan.
Thanks correction. On a skim, the only substantive change is a new Sec 105
allowing the Secretary of Energy to relax 810 export controls for countries that have not signed 123 agreements on a country by country basis. This seems pretty arbitrary but could be helpful depending on how it is employed.
Did you see anything else?
I tried doing it with Chat GPT but it was pretty useless so I had to go through it line by line and there were actually quiet a few changes.
Here is everything that I found:
SEC. 101. INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR REACTOR EXPORT AND INNOVATION
ACTIVITIES.
The secretary of state was added.
SEC. 103. EXPORT LICENSE NOTIFICATION.
Other committees were added like the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives
SEC. 104. COORDINATED INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
was replaced by
SEC. 104. GLOBAL NUCLEAR ENERGY ASSESSMENT
The Act mandates the Secretary of Energy, in collaboration with other federal agencies, to conduct a study within a year on the global civilian nuclear energy industry and its supply chains. The study will assess the industry's status, long-term risks, emissions reduction capabilities compared to other energy sectors, and its role in U.S. foreign policy and alliances. It will also examine how foreign countries, including strategic
competitors, utilize nuclear energy in diplomacy, and evaluate U.S. contributions to nuclear nonproliferation, security efforts, and safety standards globally. Additionally, the study will analyze the economic benefits to U.S. industries beyond nuclear from nuclear power generation and detail challenges faced by U.S. utilities and companies in the nuclear supply chain. Recommendations will be provided on developing a national
strategy to enhance nuclear energy's role in diplomacy and energy policy, mitigating foreign competition in nuclear diplomacy, aligning nuclear policy with national security goals, and modernizing regulatory frameworks to strengthen the U.S. nuclear supply chain.
SEC. 105. PROCESS FOR REVIEW AND AMENDMENT OF PART 810
GENERALLY AUTHORIZED DESTINATIONS.
This Act directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to identify and assess factors other than Section 123 agreements of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 that could determine a country's status as a generally authorized destination under part 810 of title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The Secretary of Energy is required to update the Department of Energy's process for determining and listing such countries in Appendix A to part 810 CFR, considering the factors identified. Additionally, the Secretary must review and potentially revise the list in Appendix A at least once every five years following the initial review, ensuring it reflects current international relations and national security interests regarding nuclear technology transfer.
“This might be a preparation for a Saudi Deal”
SEC. 205. CLARIFICATION ON FUSION REGULATION.
Fusion machines and fusion reactors were defined and their uses stated in the new act of 2024. The estimated timeline for the Commission to issue consolidated guidance or regulations for licensing mass-manufactured fusion machines, taking into account
SEC. 206. REGULATORY ISSUES FOR NUCLEAR FACILITIES AT BROWNFIELD
SITES.
The term covered site was added.
SEC. 207. APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION NUCLEAR ENERGY
DEVELOPMENT.
This section was removed: Manchin lost power?
NEW: SEC. 207. COMBINED LICENSE REVIEW PROCEDURE.
This section was added, demanding that the NRC to establish and implement an expedited procedure for issuing combined licenses under Section AEA 185b. To qualify for this expedited process, an applicant must submit a combined license application for a new nuclear reactor that references a design already certified by the NRC or is substantially similar to an existing licensed reactor design. The proposed reactor must be located on or adjacent to a site where a licensed commercial nuclear reactor currently operates or previously operated, with similar site characteristics. Additionally, the applicant must not be under an NRC order to suspend or revoke a license. Once these qualifications are met, the NRC must, to the extent feasible, complete technical reviews and issue safety evaluations within 18 months of docketing the application, conduct necessary public licensing hearings within 2 years, and make a final decision on the license within 25 months of docketing. Any delays beyond these timelines require the NRC to promptly notify the Commission and, if delays exceed 90 days, provide detailed explanations and plans for completing the outstanding actions to Congress
SEC. 208. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR MICRO-REACTORS
This section was added, This section of the Act directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) to undertake several actions related to the regulation of micro-reactors under Section 103 of the Atomic Energy Act. Within 18 months of the Act's enactment, the NRC must develop risk-informed and performance-based strategies and guidance for licensing and regulating micro-reactors, covering areas such as staffing, oversight, security, emergency preparedness, risk analysis methods, decommissioning funding, transportation, and siting considerations. These strategies should align with existing regulatory frameworks or be integrated into a new technology-inclusive framework as specified under the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act, or through new rulemaking processes. Within three years of enactment, the NRC is required to implement these strategies, considering the unique characteristics of micro-reactors and consulting with the Secretary of Energy, other federal agencies, micro-reactor developers, and stakeholders throughout the process
SEC. 302. EXTENSION OF THE PRICE-ANDERSON ACT.
This section was removed
SEC. 403. REPORT ON COMMISSION READINESS AND CAPACITY TO LICENSE
ADDITIONAL CONVERSION AND ENRICHMENT CAPACITY TO REDUCE
RELIANCE ON URANIUM FROM RUSSIA.
This section was removed
SEC. 405. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR SUPERFUND ACTIONS AT
ABANDONED MINING SITES ON TRIBAL LAND.
This section was removed
SEC. 501. COMMISSION WORKFORCE
The roles of the chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission were changed whereby in the old act he established the positions described in paragraph(2) and also appointed persons to the positions established under subparagraph (A).
And in Act of 2024 recruit and directly appoint exceptionally well-qualified individuals into the
excepted service for covered positions; and establish in the excepted service term-limited
covered positions and recruit and directly appoint exceptionally well-qualified individuals into
such term-limited covered positions, which may not exceed a term of 4 years.
The positions to be appointed were removed.
SEC. 505. NUCLEAR LICENSING EFFICIENCY.
Within 18 months of enactment, the NRC must create risk-informed and performance-based approaches covering staffing, oversight, security, emergency preparedness, risk analysis, decommissioning funding, transportation, and siting considerations. These efforts are to be aligned with existing regulatory frameworks or integrated into new technology-inclusive frameworks. Implementation must occur within three years, incorporating considerations for the unique characteristics of micro-reactors, such as their small physical size, design simplicity, and specific source term issues. Throughout the process, the NRC is required to consult with the Secretary of Energy, other federal agencies, micro-reactor developers, and relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and effective
regulatory strategies.
SEC. 506. MODERNIZATION OF NUCLEAR REACTOR ENVIRONMENTAL
REVIEWS.
This section was added, The Commission must submit a report to Congress within 180 days
detailing its efforts to streamline environmental reviews for nuclear reactor license applications, including the use of categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and generic environmental impact statements. The report should describe actions to implement amendments to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and consider various strategies for improving the efficiency of these reviews. These strategies include adopting documents from other agencies, using mitigated findings, relying on prior studies, coordinating with other agencies, and utilizing new technologies. Additionally, the report should outline potential revisions to regulations and guidance documents to facilitate efficient, timely, and predictable reviews while maintaining public openness and reducing burdens on stakeholders. A schedule for rulemaking on these measures must also be included.
SEC. 507. IMPROVING OVERSIGHT AND INSPECTION PROGRAMS
This section was added, The Commission is required to submit a report to Congress within one year, identifying specific improvements to nuclear reactor and materials oversight and inspection programs under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. The report should focus on maximizing efficiency through risk-informed, performance-based procedures, information technology integration, and staff training. It will be developed with input from other regulatory agencies, the nuclear industry, NGOs, and the public. The report must assess elements such as travel resources,inspection planning, document preparation, and cross-cutting issues, and recommend measures to eliminate duplicative activities, use templates, and provide periodic staff training. It will also consider advancing risk-informed procedures, including AI and machine learning, and assess theCommission's ability to support licensee innovations. The report will outline specific recommendations and actions for implementation, ensuring they align with the Commission's Mission.
SEC. 601. NUCLEAR CLOSURE COMMUNITIES.
This section was removed
SEC. 603. SAVINGS CLAUSE.
This section was added, Nothing in this Act affects authorities of the Department of State.