The House on Monday passed legislation that would bar imports of Russian uranium for nuclear power plants. The bipartisan measure was passed by a voice vote, with Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) and Democrat Rep. Frank Pallone (N.J.) speaking in favor of the bill.
The legislation would make it illegal for U.S. companies to import Russian uranium for use in American nuclear reactors. It also requires the Secretary of Energy to certify that any uranium imported from Russia is not a threat to national security.
The bill is a response to the Russian government’s attempts to expand its influence in the nuclear energy market, which has led to increased concerns about security and competition. The U.S. Department of Energy recently determined that Russian-origin uranium has been used in U.S. nuclear reactors since 2010.
Supporters of the bill argue that the measure will help protect U.S. nuclear energy and make sure that American businesses are not disadvantaged in the global market.
“This legislation is a necessary step to ensure the United States is not reliant on a foreign nation for our nuclear fuel,” McMorris Rodgers said. “It is critical that the United States is able to secure our own energy supply and not be beholden to any other nation.”
Pallone echoed McMorris Rodgers’ sentiment, saying that the bill is “a commonsense way to protect our energy security and ensure that American companies are not disadvantaged in the global market.”
The legislation also seeks to increase the competitiveness of the U.S. nuclear industry, which has been struggling in recent years. The U.S. nuclear industry is facing competition from countries like Russia, China, and India, which have been investing heavily in their nuclear industries.
The bill is also seen as a way to protect American jobs in the nuclear industry, which has been hit hard by the recent decline in nuclear energy production. The legislation would create a level playing field for domestic nuclear fuel producers, which could help spur investment and create jobs.
The legislation has been applauded by the nuclear industry, with the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) praising the bill for its “strength and bipartisan support.” The NEI noted that the bill is an important step in ensuring America’s energy security and ensuring that U.S. nuclear energy remains competitive.
The legislation now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to be met with bipartisan support. If it passes the Senate, the bill would become law and would take effect immediately.
The House’s passage of the bill is an important step in ensuring America’s energy security and ensuring that American companies are not disadvantaged in the global market. The bill is a testament to the bipartisan nature of Congress, as both Republicans and Democrats have come together to support the measure. The bill’s passage is a positive step for the U.S. nuclear industry, and if it passes the Senate, it will be a major victory for U.S. energy security.
