U.S. Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced legislation that provides a roadmap for the Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) Act, a US State Department’s program.
“Nuclear energy is a source of clean and abundant power, and its growth in the U.S. and around the world will lower costs for consumers and combat climate change,” said Coons. “Right now, too many nations that want to embrace nuclear power need to buy Chinese and Russian technology at huge cost, trapping them in debt. The United States should offer an alternative that keeps us on the cutting edge, strengthens our relationships around the world and keeps Americans safe.”
Launched in 2019, the FIRST program has worked to leverage U.S. public-private partnerships and expand US nuclear energy programs to bolster the nation’s position as a nuclear energy industry leader.
Small nuclear reactors are viewed that can be mass produced are viewed as a way to increase the supply of renewable energy and make nation’s less dependent on polluting fossil fuels.
The State Department’s FIRST program partners with more than 50 countries.
This bill will solidify the goals of the FIRST program as a priority for the Department of State to build a better, safer, and cleaner infrastructure for nuclear energy, a release stated.
The bill has bipartisan support. Both the Biden and Trump administrations have supported the technology that has drawn fire from some in the environmental community.
“When the US partners with another country on nuclear energy exports, it represents a relationship that will last 100 years with huge economic and security commitments. Our international competitors are trying to secure those partnerships for themselves. In the face of that pressure, we commend Senator Coons and Senator Budd for introducing the FIRST Act. By strengthening the FIRST program, their legislation would ensure that American nuclear engagement is proactive, responsible, and durable,” said Josh Freed, senior vice president for climate and energy, Third Way.
Source: Delaware Business Now