Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressional Fusion Energy Caucus Co-Chairs Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) led the introduction of the Fusion Energy Act, bipartisan legislation to promote the development of fusion energy by codifying the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) recent vote to establish a regulatory framework for fusion energy systems under its byproduct materials framework.

“Fusion energy has the potential to drive down costs for families struggling with fluctuating energy prices, reduce our carbon footprint, and ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a livable planet,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “We should be doing everything possible to promote fusion development here in the United States so we can finally unlock this unlimited source of carbon free energy. By codifying the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s regulatory approach to fusion, the Fusion Energy Act will lay the groundwork to accelerate the research, development, and implementation of commercial fusion energy.”

“The regulatory certainty provided by the NRC’s framework will build on recent historic fusion breakthroughs and help maintain American leadership in fusion development,” said Congressman Beyer. “Fusion energy has enormous potential to help fight the climate crisis and alleviate poverty around the world. Congress should do everything possible to advance the development and eventual commercialization of this transformational technology in America, including passing our bipartisan bill.”

“It’s critically important that the United States remains a leader in fusion energy. This bill codifies a clear regulatory framework for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that will enable the ongoing acceleration of commercial fusion research and development,” said Congressman Fleischmann. “We must lay the groundwork now to build on the revolutionary breakthroughs in fusion energy so the private and public sectors can work together toward the goal of cheap, clean, and sustainable fusion power. Our nation’s long-term national and economic security, energy independence, and our preeminence as the world leader in science and technology will be strengthened by our bipartisan, commonsense bill. I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to quickly pass our critical bill so the U.S. remains the leader in new nuclear advancements.”

“Fusion has the potential to dramatically lower energy costs for American families while greatly enhancing the stability of our electric grid and providing the cleanest form of power known to man,” said Congressman Obernolte. “To enable this reality, America needs a national energy framework that can bolster this emerging technology with research and development and allow the integration of fusion energy into our energy portfolio. Our Fusion Energy Act will help to provide the regulatory certainty needed to support what is potentially the most promising energy development in history.”

In addition to codifying the NRC’s vote earlier this year, the Fusion Energy Act also:

• Ensures that the NRC will promulgate a unique regulatory framework for licensing commercial fusion devices to streamline the implementation of commercial fusion.
• Requires the NRC to report to Congress on its plans to expedite the licensing process for fusion energy devices.

Prior to NRC’s vote in April, the lawmakers wrote to NRC encouraging them to “expeditiously establish a regulatory framework for commercial fusion facilities that ensures public health and safety, while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burden and uncertainty.”

A copy of the legislation introduced today can be accessed HERE.

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