Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13), a senior member of the House Science and Technology Committee, successfully secured passage of several amendments to a nuclear research and development bill designed to speed advancement of safe, clean nuclear energy and reprocessing technologies.  

            The House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment yesterday approved H.R. 5866, the Nuclear Energy Research Development Act of 2010, to broaden the federal government’s commitment to nuclear energy research and development, including Biggert’s amendment directing the Department of Energy to conduct research on minimizing waste and fuel recycling.

            “I have been a long-time advocate of clean, carbon-free nuclear energy,” said Biggert.  “With our support, American scientists are making great strides in developing advanced nuclear recycling technologies that pull more energy from nuclear fuel, while minimizing harmful waste.  In fact, groundbreaking research is being done right here in the 13th district at Argonne National Laboratory, and with these advances, we can significantly curb our nation’s reliance on expensive foreign oil while minimizing emissions.  This bill, with my amendments, will help provide our scientists with the tools and resources they need to keep the U.S. at the technological forefront of the global race for energy.”

              The Nuclear Energy Research Development Act of 2010 also provides funding to enhance the efficiency of the nation’s current reactor program.  In addition, the Subcommittee adopted Biggert’s amendment to remove regulatory hurdles for new nuclear designs.  The bill will now move to the full Committee for approval.

Click here to read the amended bill.

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