II 111th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2052 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES October 29, 2009 Mr. Udall of Colorado (for himself, Mr. Bingaman, and Ms. Murkowski) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Secretary of Energy to carry out a research and development and demonstration program to reduce manufacturing and construction costs relating to nuclear reactors, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Nuclear Energy Research Initiative Improvement Act of 2009.

2.

Nuclear energy research initiative

Section 952(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272(a)) is amended— (1)by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (1)

In general

The Secretary; ; and (2)by adding at the end the following: (2)

Authorized research initiatives

In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall conduct research to lower the cost of nuclear reactor systems, including research regarding— (A)modular and small-scale reactors; (B)balance-of-plant issues; (C)cost-efficient manufacturing and construction; (D)licensing issues; and (E)enhanced proliferation controls. (3)

Consultation requirement

In carrying out initiatives under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall consult with— (A)the Secretary of Commerce; (B)the Secretary of the Treasury; (C)the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and (D)any other individual who the Secretary determines to be necessary. (4)

Schedule

(A)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall develop and publish on the website of the Department of Energy a schedule that contains an outline of a 5-year strategy to lower effectively the costs of nuclear reactors. (B)

Public workshops

In developing the schedule under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall conduct public workshops to provide an opportunity for public comment. (C)

Review

Before the date on which the Secretary publishes the schedule under subparagraph (A), the Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee shall conduct a review of the schedule. (D)

Annual updates

(i)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary publishes the schedule under subparagraph (A) and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall update the schedule. (ii)

Public workshops

In updating the schedule under clause (i), the Secretary shall conduct public workshops in accordance with subparagraph (B). (5)

Cost sharing

Section 988 shall apply to initiatives carried out under this section. (6)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015. .