Why it Matters

The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Environment, Energy and Commerce will hold a markup on Tuesday, July 14, to consider seven bills aimed at modernizing the nation's nuclear energy framework. The legislative package would streamline nuclear licensing, address staffing challenges at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, expand fuel recycling pathways, and strengthen the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain. If enacted, the measures could accelerate deployment of new reactors and improve operations at existing facilities, impacting the nation's decarbonization strategy and energy independence.

The Nuclear Agenda Takes Shape

The subcommittee will mark up legislation addressing several aspects of nuclear energy policy. The Nuclear REFUEL Act would accelerate fuel recycling pathways. The Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act would reduce procedural delays in Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing. The Department of Energy Nuclear Transparency Act and the American Enrichment Deployment Act focus on uranium enrichment and supply chain transparency. The Nuclear Advisory Committee Reform Act and the NRC Staff Pay Alignment Act address governance and workforce retention at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The subcommittee will also consider the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2025, rounding out the seven-bill agenda.

The markup reflects growing bipartisan interest in expanding nuclear energy. Lawmakers have cited licensing delays, workforce shortages at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and fuel recycling limitations as barriers to deploying advanced reactors and maintaining the existing nuclear fleet.

Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing Details

Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) chairs the subcommittee, with Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) serving as ranking member. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) is the ranking member of the full House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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