The U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass a key piece of legislation aimed at bolstering the country’s nuclear energy sector. The nuclear package was combined with bill that reauthorized the U.S. Fire Administration and grant programs for firefighters.
The measure aims to accelerate the approval process for new nuclear plants as many of the country’s existing plants reach the end of their serviceable lives. Additionally, it reduces the licensing fees that power companies must pay to initiate projects. It also mandates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to prepare a report examining ways to simplify and expedite the environmental review process.
The bill passed by a vote of 88-2, with Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) opposing the measure.
The Trump administration has placed an extreme focus on “unleashing American energy.”
A separate federal bill that could lower the cost of new homes by repealing energy efficiency programs is headed to the U.S. Senate.
The House bill, which is led by Fort Worth Republican Congressman Craig Goldman, gets rid of energy rules for home appliances that were put in place by the Biden administration.
He said that the Biden administration’s expensive rules have made homes more expensive, making it feel like owning one is out of reach for many. This law could let house prices drop by as much as $31,000.
Goldman made it a priority to undo Biden-era rules on the House Energy and Commerce Committee during his first year. He is now in his second year on Capitol Hill, and his main goals are to make things more affordable and lower the cost of health care.
“Affordability is way more than just a buzzword,” Goldman said. “How do we decrease housing costs? How do we decrease oil and gas prices, like I mentioned? How do we decrease healthcare costs? You know, big issues that affect people in my district.”
