The US Senate overwhelmingly passed a major bipartisan bill to boost the nuclear energy sector and accelerate approvals for new power plants.
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 another 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.