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Dear Member of Congress,

Independent Women’s Voice, a 501(c)(4) organization for mainstream women, men and families, is proud to support HR 4979, the Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act of 2016, co-sponsored by Representatives Bob Latta (R-OH) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA). This important legislation will do much to reform the regulatory inefficiencies for nuclear power and increase access to reliable energy.

The Advanced Nuclear Technology Development Act acknowledges the advantages of nuclear power and recognizes it as a crucial component of our nation’s energy mix. Nuclear energy has long provided U.S. households with safe, dependable energy. Unfortunately, many of our current nuclear reactors are in decline and are facing retirement due to license expiration, with nearly one-third set to expire in the next 15 to 20 years.

H.R. 4979 would require the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to collaborate in order to facilitate nuclear innovation and certainty for the future of nuclear power. Importantly, the bill would require the NRC to—within 180 days of the law’s passage—implement a new plan for advanced nuclear reactor licensing so that it is more cost-effective to investors by 2019. 

With its passage, this bipartisan measure helps to address our country’s long-term need for more dependable energy and avoid an energy shortage in the future. While nuclear power is just one of many forms of energy that power our workplaces and homes, it is integral to our energy mix.