Crapo joins National Summit to Outline New Initiatives for Nuclear Research

WASHINGTON - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo today delivered remarks about how legislation that he introduced will enable Idaho National Laboratory, other National Labs, and the private sector to develop the next generation of nuclear energy technology at an event today hosted by the group Third Way. 

"This measure is an important step forward in maintaining U.S. leadership in nuclear energy," said Crapo during his remarks.  "It is my hope that this bill will enable the private sector and our national labs to work together to create new, tremendous achievements in nuclear science.  This measure encourages the smartest, most innovative and creative minds in nuclear science to partner together to move nuclear forward."

Crapo's legislation, S. 2461, the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, or NEICA, would direct the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize partnering with private researchers and innovators on new reactor technologies and the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts.  Many of these partnerships would be carried out at the nation's national research laboratories, including Idaho's, to develop a new generation of reliable, safe, clean and efficient national energy.  The legislation would also identify and eliminate barriers to innovation within the private sector, while strengthening collaboration with the national labs to maintain American preeminence in nuclear energy.

Crapo's legislation is cosponsored by fellow Idaho Senator Jim Risch and with Sens. Hatch, (R-UT), Kirk (R-IL), Booker (D-NJ), and Whitehouse (D-RI).

Video of Sen. Crapo's remarks is linked here.

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