Senator Cynthia Lummis, Senator Mark Kelly, and Representative Byron Donalds introduced the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act on May 15. The legislation would require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel for use in non-safety-related structures of nuclear power plants.
The lawmakers say this change could lower costs and create more local jobs without compromising safety standards. Lummis said, “As nuclear technology evolves, our regulations should evolve with it. Requiring nuclear-grade materials in parts of a plant that have nothing to do with safety drives up costs and locks out local construction crews who are more than capable of doing the job. This legislation fixes that by requiring the NRC to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel where it’s safe to do so. I’m pleased to work with Senator Kelly and Congressman Donalds to get this done. The result is simple: lower costs, more local jobs, and zero compromise on safety.”
Kelly said outdated rules about building materials raise expenses for new plants: “We need more reliable, affordable power to keep up with growing demand in Arizona and across the country, but outdated rules about building materials drive up costs and slow down construction for nuclear plants. With this commonsense solution, we can build clean nuclear power plants faster and cheaper while keeping the same strong safety standards that protect Arizona families.” Donalds added that energy security is essential: “Energy security is national and economic security for the United States… We must take a hard look at outdated and burdensome regulations and make practical, common-sense reforms.”
Several organizations expressed support for the bill. Faith Burns of Americans for Prosperity said it would lessen regulatory burdens on facility construction: “The current text in Senator Lummis’ bill requires the agency to finalize a rulemaking to authorize the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear facilities.” Dr. Adam Stein from The Breakthrough Institute called high material requirements a key barrier: “Regulatory requirements governing the use of safety-related materials in non-safety-related structures can be a meaningful contributor to this cost.” Nick Loris from C3 Solutions Action stated: “Nuclear-grade materials carry an enormous cost premium for little to no additional safety benefit… For nuclear energy to succeed in the United States, it needs to be cost-competitive… Senator Lummis’s bill is a long-overdue course correction.” Chris Koopman from Abundance Institute described it as “a practical step toward making it easier to build more nuclear power,” while Josh Smith from Pacific Legal Foundation called passage “one of many important steps needed” for American innovation.
Lummis has dedicated years to public service including time as state treasurer as well as serving in both houses of Wyoming’s legislature according to her official website. She grew up on a cattle ranch in Laramie County alongside her siblings; she earned degrees in animal science, biology, and law from University of Wyoming; she has also championed responsible federal budgeting along with Wyoming’s energy resources.
Supporters argue that allowing locally sourced commercial-grade building materials will help reduce project timelines without sacrificing public health or environmental safeguards.
