Hearing to examine proposed legislation entitled, “Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act”, “RECHARGE Act,” and “Enrichment Licensing Modernization Act.”

Nick Loris’ testimony before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee’s Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety makes the case that nuclear energy can play a central role in meeting America’s rising energy needs while strengthening local economies. With power demand growing from artificial intelligence, data centers, manufacturing, and electrification, Loris argues that the United States needs more dependable, affordable, and clean energy. Nuclear power is uniquely positioned to help meet that demand by providing reliable electricity, supporting high-paying jobs, expanding local tax bases, and attracting investment in advanced manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries.

The testimony highlights how outdated policy and regulatory frameworks continue to drive up the cost of nuclear construction and slow deployment. Requirements for nuclear-grade materials, duplicative environmental reviews, and licensing delays can add years of uncertainty and significant expense without always improving safety or environmental outcomes. Loris emphasizes that the goal is not to weaken oversight, but to ensure regulations are risk-informed, performance-based, and focused on protecting public health, safety, and the environment where it matters most.

Loris voices support for the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act, the RECHARGE Act, and the Enrichment Licensing Modernization Act as practical reforms to help reduce unnecessary costs and delays. Together, the bills would expand the use of commercial-grade materials in non-safety-related structures, streamline review for advanced reactors at retired fossil fuel and brownfield sites, and modernize licensing for uranium enrichment facilities. These reforms would help the U.S. accelerate nuclear deployment, strengthen energy security, revitalize industrial communities, and compete globally in the next generation of nuclear energy.