Nuclear energy gains support in Congress

WASHINGTON — The House last week passed legislation to speed up the development of a new generation of nuclear power plants, the latest sign a once-contentious source of energy is now attracting broad political support.

The 365-36 vote on Wednesday reflected the bipartisan nature of the bill, known as the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. It received backing from Democrats who support nuclear power because it does not emit greenhouse gases. It also received support from Republicans who have downplayed the risks of climate change but insist nuclear power could bolster the nation’s economy and energy security.

The bill would direct the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which oversees the nation’s nuclear power plants, to streamline its processes for approving new reactor designs. The legislation, which is backed by the nuclear industry, would also increase hiring, reduce fees for applicants and establish financial prizes for novel reactors.

In the Senate, Republicans and Democrats have written their own legislation to promote nuclear power. The two chambers are expected to discuss how to reconcile their differences in the coming months, but final passage is not ensured.

Nuclear power generates 18% of the nation’s electricity, but only three reactors have been completed in the United States since 1996. Although some environmentalists remain concerned about reactor safety, cost is the biggest obstacle facing nuclear power today.

Conventional nuclear plants have become extremely expensive to build, and some electric utilities have gone bankrupt trying. Two recent reactors built at the Vogtle nuclear power plant in Georgia cost $35 billion, double the initial estimates.