Congress looks to nuclear power for America’s next frontier

Lawmakers are turning their attention to the next frontier of American energy: nuclear power.

As the United States looks to meet growing energy demands and compete with global rivals, members of Congress are pushing for greater investment in advanced nuclear technology. But while Republicans emphasized innovation and national security, Democrats stressed that the benefits of a "nuclear renaissance" must also reach American workers and the communities hosting these facilities.

Representative Brian Babin (R-TX) said nuclear energy is already opening new frontiers in American innovation, from military applications to space exploration through advanced propulsion.

“Advanced nuclear technologies are unlocking new possibilities,” Rep. Babin said. "Commercial nuclear companies are exploring new applications of nuclear energy in space, including space mining, orbital transportation and fusion propulsion.“

But these innovations are also delivering benefits on Earth, Rep. Babin said.

“Including improved molecular imaging technologies for more targeted medical diagnostics and radionuclide therapies that are helping treat cancer,” he said.

Rep. Babin said Congress must continue to prioritize advanced nuclear research and development investments if the United States is to remain competitive with global adversaries like China and Russia.

“We cannot afford to lose this momentum or to cede leadership to our international competitors,” Rep. Babin said.

Although Rep. Christian Menefee (D-TX) said he agrees the U.S. should work to expand its advanced reactor capacity, but stressed the need to ensure those investments also benefit communities and workers.

“Houston is the energy capital of the world. We are a city that builds things, that moves things and that powers things.” Rep. Menefee said. “When this committee says ‘nuclear renaissance,’ my district hears a job, a career and an opportunity to research and power what comes next.”

Nuclear power makes up less than 10% of Texas’ electricity generation and has remained roughly flat for decades, even as electricity demand continues to grow. Rep. Menefee said investing in nuclear energy is not only a national priority, but especially important for Texas.

“Nuclear energy is the next frontier, and there’s a lot of opportunity ahead,” Rep. Menefee said. “But as we grow this industry, we have to make sure the communities surrounding these facilities.”