[House Report 117-466]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress    }                                     {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session       }                                     {      117-466

======================================================================



 
NATIONAL NUCLEAR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE REINVESTMENT ACT OF 
                                  2021

                                _______
                                

 September 14, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

    Ms. Johnson of Texas, from the Committee on Science, Space, and 
                  Technology, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 4819]

    The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, to whom 
was referred the bill (H.R. 4819) to require the Secretary of 
Energy to revitalize existing university infrastructure 
relating to nuclear science and engineering and establish new 
university-based nuclear science and engineering facilities, 
and for other purposes, having considered the same, reports 
favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that the 
bill as amended do pass.

                                CONTENTS

                                                                   Page
   I. Amendment.......................................................2
  II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................4
 III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................4
  IV. Committee Hearings..............................................5
   V. Committee Consideration and Votes...............................5
  VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................5
 VII. Section-By-Section Analysis (By Title and Section)..............6
VIII. Committee Views.................................................6
  IX. Cost Estimate...................................................7
   X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate.......................7
  XI. Compliance with Public Law 104-4 (Unfunded Mandates)............7
 XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations................7
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives...........7
 XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement............................7
  XV. Duplication of Federal Programs.................................7
 XVI. Earmark Identification..........................................8
XVII. Applicability to the Legislative Branch.........................8
XVIII.Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law..........8

 XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, As Reported...........8
  XX. Proceedings of Full Committee Markup...........................15

                              I. Amendment

    The amendment is as follows:
  Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
following:

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

  This Act may be cited as the ``National Nuclear University Research 
Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021''.

SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

  The purposes of this Act are--
          (1) to upgrade the nuclear research capabilities of 
        universities in the United States to meet the research 
        requirements of advanced nuclear energy systems;
          (2) to ensure the continued operation of university research 
        reactors;
          (3) to coordinate available resources to enable the 
        establishment, including the start and efficient completion of 
        construction, of new nuclear science and engineering 
        facilities; and
          (4) to support--
                  (A) workforce development critical to maintaining 
                United States leadership in nuclear science and 
                engineering and related disciplines; and
                  (B) the establishment or enhancement of nuclear 
                science and engineering capabilities and other, related 
                capabilities at historically Black colleges and 
                universities, Tribal colleges or universities, 
                minority-serving institutions, EPSCoR universities, 
                junior or community colleges, and associate-degree-
                granting colleges.

SEC. 3. UNIVERSITY INFRASTRUCTURE COLLABORATION.

  Section 954(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16274(a)) 
is amended--
          (1) in paragraph (2), by amending subparagraph (D) to read as 
        follows:
                  ``(D) promote collaborations, partnerships, and 
                knowledge sharing between institutions of higher 
                education, National Laboratories, other Federal 
                agencies, industry, and associated labor unions; and''; 
                and
          (2) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
          ``(4) Strengthening university research and training reactors 
        and associated infrastructure.--
                  ``(A) In general.--In carrying out the program under 
                this subsection, the Secretary may support--
                          ``(i) converting research reactors from high-
                        enrichment fuels to low-enrichment fuels and 
                        upgrading operational instrumentation;
                          ``(ii) revitalizing and upgrading existing 
                        nuclear science and engineering infrastructure 
                        that support the development of advanced 
                        nuclear technologies and applications;
                          ``(iii) regional or subregional university-
                        led consortia to--
                                  ``(I) broaden access to university 
                                research reactors;
                                  ``(II) enhance existing university-
                                based nuclear science and engineering 
                                infrastructure; and
                                  ``(III) provide project management, 
                                technical support, quality engineering 
                                and inspections, manufacturing, and 
                                nuclear material support;
                          ``(iv) student training programs, in 
                        collaboration with the United States nuclear 
                        industry, in relicensing and upgrading 
                        reactors, including through the provision of 
                        technical assistance; and
                          ``(v) reactor improvements that emphasize 
                        research, training, and education, including 
                        through the Innovations in Nuclear 
                        Infrastructure and Education Program or any 
                        similar program.
                  ``(B) Authorization of appropriations.--Of any 
                amounts appropriated to carry out the program under 
                this subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated 
                to the Secretary to carry out clauses (ii) and (iii) of 
                subparagraph (A) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
                2022 through 2026.''.

SEC. 4. ADVANCED NUCLEAR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENT 
                    SUBPROGRAM.

  Section 954(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16274(a)), 
as amended by section 3, is further amended--
          (1) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (8) as paragraphs 
        (6) through (9), respectively;
          (2) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
          ``(5) Advanced nuclear research infrastructure enhancement.--
                  ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a 
                subprogram to be known as the Advanced Nuclear Research 
                Infrastructure Enhancement Subprogram in order to--
                          ``(i) demonstrate various advanced nuclear 
                        reactor and nuclear microreactor concepts;
                          ``(ii) establish medical isotope production 
                        reactors or other specialized applications; and
                          ``(iii) advance other research infrastructure 
                        that, in the determination of the Secretary, is 
                        consistent with the mission of the Department.
                  ``(B) New nuclear science and engineering 
                facilities.--In carrying out the subprogram, the 
                Secretary shall establish--
                          ``(i) not more than 4 new research reactors; 
                        and
                          ``(ii) new nuclear science and engineering 
                        facilities, as required to address research 
                        demand and identified infrastructure gaps.
                  ``(C) Locations.--New research reactors and 
                facilities established under subparagraph (B) shall be 
                established in a manner that--
                          ``(i) supports the regional or subregional 
                        consortia described in paragraph (4)(C); and
                          ``(ii) encourages the participation of--
                                  ``(I) historically Black colleges and 
                                universities;
                                  ``(II) Tribal colleges or 
                                universities;
                                  ``(III) minority-serving 
                                institutions;
                                  ``(IV) EPSCoR universities;
                                  ``(V) junior or community colleges; 
                                and
                                  ``(VI) associate-degree-granting 
                                colleges.
                  ``(D) Fuel requirements.--New research reactors 
                established under subparagraph (B) shall not use high-
                enriched uranium, as defined in section 2001 of 
                division Z of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 
                2021.
                  ``(E) Authorization of appropriations.--Of any 
                amounts appropriated to carry out the program under 
                this subsection, there are authorized to be 
                appropriated to the Secretary to carry out the 
                subprogram under this paragraph--
                          ``(i) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
                          ``(ii) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2023;
                          ``(iii) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;
                          ``(iv) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;
                          ``(v) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
                          ``(vi) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2027;
                          ``(vii) $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2028; 
                        and
                          ``(viii) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2029.''; 
                        and
          (3) by amending paragraph (9), as redesignated by paragraph 
        (1) of this subsection, to read as follows:
          ``(9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  ``(A) Associate-degree-granting college.--The term 
                `associate-degree-granting college' means an 
                institution of higher education (as determined under 
                section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 1001)) that--
                          ``(i) is a nonprofit institution that offers 
                        a 2-year associate-degree program or a 2-year 
                        certificate program; or
                          ``(ii) is a proprietary institution that 
                        offers a 2-year associate degree program.
                  ``(B) Junior faculty.--The term `junior faculty' 
                means a faculty member who was awarded a doctorate less 
                than 10 years before receipt of an award from the grant 
                program described in paragraph (2)(B).
                  ``(C) Junior or community college.--The term `junior 
                or community college' has the meaning given the term in 
                section 312 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 1058).
                  ``(D) EPSCoR university.--The term `EPSCoR 
                university' means an institution of higher education 
                located in a State eligible to participate in the 
                program defined in section 502 of the America COMPETES 
                Reauthorization Act of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p note).
                  ``(E) Historically black college or university.--The 
                term `historically Black college or university' has the 
                meaning given the term `part B institution' in section 
                322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1061).
                  ``(F) Minority-serving institution.--The term 
                `minority-serving institution' means a Hispanic-serving 
                institution, an Alaska Native-serving institution, a 
                Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, a Predominantly 
                Black Institution, an Asian American and Native 
                American Pacific Islander-serving institution, or a 
                Native American-serving nontribal institution as 
                described in section 371 of the Higher Education Act of 
                1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).
                  ``(G) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal 
                college or university' has the meaning given such term 
                in section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
                U.S.C. 1059c).''.

SEC. 5. SCIENCE EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES SCHOLARSHIPS, 
                    FELLOWSHIPS, AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.

  (a) In General.--The purpose of this section is to support a diverse 
workforce for the complex landscape associated with effective and 
equitable development of advanced nuclear energy technologies, 
including interdisciplinary research to enable positive impacts and 
avoid potential negative impacts across the lifespan of nuclear energy 
technologies.
  (b) Nontechnical Nuclear Research.--Section 313 of the Omnibus 
Appropriations Act, 2009 (Public Law 111-8; 42 U.S.C. 16274a) is 
amended:
          (1) in subsection (b)(2), after ``engineering'', by inserting 
        ``, which may include nontechnical nuclear research'';
          (2) in subsection (c), by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
        following:
          ``(3) Nontechnical nuclear research.--The term `nontechnical 
        nuclear research' means research with specializations such as 
        social sciences or law that can support an increase in 
        community engagement, participation, and confidence in nuclear 
        energy systems, including the navigation of the licensing 
        required for advanced reactor deployment, aligned with the 
        objectives in section 951(a)(2) of the Energy Policy Act of 
        2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271(a)(2)).''; and
          (3) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``$30,000,000'' and 
        inserting ``$45,000,000''.

                        II. Purpose of the Bill

    The purpose of the bill is to direct the Secretary of 
Energy to carry out activities to upgrade nuclear research 
capabilities of U.S. universities; to ensure the continued 
operation of university research reactors; to coordinate 
available resources to enable the establishment of new nuclear 
science and engineering facilities; and to support nuclear 
energy workforce development. H.R. 4819 is sponsored by Mr. 
Gonzalez. Original cosponsors include Mr. Casten, Mr. Meijer, 
and Mr. Foster. Additional cosponsors include Chairwoman 
Johnson, Ms. Ross, Ms. Wild, and Mr. Lamb.

              III. Background and Need for the Legislation

    In the United States, there are 34 nuclear science and 
engineering programs and 25 research reactors in 25 states. The 
majority of nuclear science and engineering infrastructure at 
universities, which includes university research reactors and 
laboratories, was built in the 1950s and 60s. This current 
infrastructure is nearly 70 years old, and has achieved its 
objectives for research and training and exceeded its design 
lifetime.
    Additionally, as nuclear reactor technology advances, 
nuclear science and engineering education is key for deploying 
advanced nuclear reactors, power, and technology 
infrastructure. The training and development of an advanced 
nuclear energy workforce is imperative for the successful 
deployment of clean energy while creating important U.S. jobs.
    H.R. 4819 will have immediate impact on workforce 
production and research in areas such as advanced 
manufacturing, artificial intelligence, reactor multi-physics, 
fuels and materials, and on reactor siting, licensing, and 
deployment to complement advanced reactor efforts at private 
companies and the National Laboratories. It will also upgrade 
U.S. university capabilities to align with 21st century 
research needs of advanced reactors for clean energy, and allow 
U.S. universities to compete with their foreign counterparts. 
Of note, modern, advanced nuclear science and engineering 
infrastructure is already deployed and operating at educational 
institutions in China.

                         IV. Committee Hearings

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(6) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee designates the 
following hearing as having been used to develop or consider 
the legislation:
    On October 21st, 2021, the Committee on Science, Space, and 
Technology held a hearing entitled ``Judicious Spending to 
Enable Success at the Office of Nuclear Energy'' to examine 
nuclear energy research and development activities at the 
Department of Energy (DOE). The hearing included discussion of 
topic areas in H.R. 4819.
    Witnesses:
           Dr. Katy Huff, Acting Assistant Secretary, 
        Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
           Ms. Amy Roma, Founding Member, Nuclear 
        Energy and National Security Coalition, Atlantic 
        Council and Partner, Hogan Lovells US LLP
           Dr. Todd Allen, Director, Michigan Memorial 
        Phoenix Project and Glenn F. and Gladys H. Knoll 
        Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and 
        Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan
           Mr. Scott Amey, General Counsel and 
        Executive Editorial Director, Project on Government 
        Oversight

                  V. Committee Consideration and Votes

    The Committee on Science, Space, and Technology met to 
consider H.R. 4819 on January 19, 2022.
    Mr. Perlmutter offered an amendment to require DOE to 
ensure that all relevant federal agencies are collaborating 
with the other entities involved with the Department of 
Energy's civilian nuclear science and engineering human 
resources and infrastructure programs. The amendment was agreed 
to by a voice vote.
    Mr. Foster offered an amendment to require DOE to ensure 
that any new research reactors established under this bill 
would not use high-enriched uranium. The amendment was agreed 
to by a voice vote.
    Mr. Bowman offered an amendment to expand the scope of the 
federal government's nuclear energy programs at universities to 
include nontechnical nuclear research. The amendment was agreed 
to by a voice vote.
    Mr. Perlmutter moved that the Committee favorably report 
the bill, H.R. 4819, as amended, to the House of 
Representatives with the recommendation that the bill be 
approved. The motion was agreed to by a voice vote.

              VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill

    The National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure 
Reinvestment Act of 2021 improves the Department of Energy's 
Nuclear Energy University Program by ensuring adequate support 
for upgrades and revitalization of existing nuclear science and 
engineering infrastructure. This bill builds off of language 
and activities authorized in the Energy Act of 2020.
    This bill also directs the Secretary of Energy to carry out 
a subprogram to establish not more than four new research 
reactors, along with nuclear science and engineering 
facilities, to address research demand and infrastructure gaps. 
This subprogram encourages the participation of traditionally 
underrepresented institutions including historically Black 
colleges and universities, Tribal colleges or universities, 
minority-serving institutions, EPSCoR universities, junior or 
community colleges; and associate-degree-granting colleges.

        VII. Section-by-Section Analysis (by Title and Section)


Sec. 1. Short title

    Establishes that H.R. 4819 may be cited as the ``National 
Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 
2021''.

Section 2. Purposes

    States purposes of the bill as: (1) to upgrade nuclear 
research capabilities of U.S. universities; (2) to ensure the 
continued operation of university research reactors; (3) to 
coordinate available resources to enable the establishment of 
new nuclear science and engineering facilities; and (4) to 
support nuclear energy workforce development and the 
establishment or enhancement of nuclear science and engineering 
capabilities at historically Black colleges and universities, 
Tribal colleges or universities, minority-serving institutions, 
EPSCoR universities, junior or community colleges, and 
associate-degree-granting colleges.

Section 3. University infrastructure collaboration

    Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to improve 
collaboration between relevant nuclear energy university 
stakeholders and to maintain and upgrade existing university 
research reactor infrastructure. Authorizes $55 million for 
each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 for these activities.

Section 4. Advanced nuclear research infrastructure enhancement 
        subprogram

    Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to establish a new 
university infrastructure subprogram that will further the 
development of advanced nuclear technologies including by 
establishing not more than four new research reactors and new 
nuclear science and engineering facilities. Authorizes a total 
of $600M over fiscal years 2022 through 2029 for these 
activities.

                         VIII. Committee Views

    The Committee recognizes the importance of developing a 
modern workforce that will be needed to commercialize and 
operate advanced nuclear reactors. Continuing the safe and 
efficient operation of university nuclear science and 
engineering infrastructure, as well as supporting the 
development of new infrastructure and partnerships, is critical 
to energy research and training of the nuclear energy 
workforce. Due to the cross-cutting nature of nuclear energy 
products, university research, and workforce development, the 
Committee encourages the Department to prioritize coordination 
between the appropriate program offices and with relevant 
Federal agencies.
    The Committee emphasizes the need for a domestic supply of 
advanced nuclear fuels and the importance it will have on the 
widespread commercialization of advanced nuclear reactors. The 
Committee encourages the Department to give due consideration 
to the availability of fuel needed to operate any reactors 
supported by the program.

                           IX. Cost Estimate

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee adopts as its own the 
estimate of new budget authority, entitlement authority, or tax 
expenditures or revenues contained in the cost estimate 
prepared by the Director of the Congressional Budget Office 
pursuant to section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 
1974.

              X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate

    No Congressional Budget Office cost estimate.

                     XI. Federal Mandates Statement

    H.R. 4819 contains no unfunded mandates.

         XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations

    The Committee's oversight findings and recommendations are 
reflected in the body of this report.

      XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives

    Pursuant to clause (3)(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, the goal of H.R. 4819 is to 
reauthorize and expand the Department of Energy's university 
research and training in nuclear science and engineering. The 
legislation supports revitalizing and upgrading university 
nuclear infrastructure, as well as the development of new 
advanced nuclear infrastructure and applications.

               XIV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement

    No Federal Advisory Committees are created by H.R. 4819.

                  XV. Duplication of Federal Programs

    Pursuant to clause 3(c)(5) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 
House of Representatives, the Committee finds that no provision 
of H.R. 4819 establishes or reauthorizes a program of the 
federal government known to be duplicative of another federal 
program, including any program that was included in a report to 
Congress pursuant to section 21 of Public Law 111-139 or the 
most recent Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.

                      XVI. Earmark Identification

    Pursuant to clauses 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI, the 
Committee finds that H.R. 4819 contains no earmarks, limited 
tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits.

             XVII. Applicability to the Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that H.R. 4819 does not relate to the 
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services 
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of 
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).

     XVIII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law

    This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or 
tribal law.

       XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

                       ENERGY POLICY ACT OF 2005



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
TITLE IX--RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


Subtitle E--Nuclear Energy

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 954. NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT.

  (a) University nuclear science and engineering support.--
          (1) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a 
        program to invest in human resources and infrastructure 
        in the nuclear sciences and related fields, including 
        health physics, nuclear engineering, and 
        radiochemistry, consistent with missions of the 
        Department related to civilian nuclear research, 
        development, demonstration, and commercial application.
          (2) Requirements.--In carrying out the program under 
        this subsection, the Secretary shall--
                  (A) conduct a graduate and undergraduate 
                fellowship program to attract new and talented 
                students, which may include fellowships for 
                students to spend time at National Laboratories 
                in the areas of nuclear science, engineering, 
                and health physics with a member of the 
                National Laboratory staff acting as a mentor;
                  (B) conduct a junior faculty research 
                initiation grant program to assist universities 
                in recruiting and retaining new faculty in the 
                nuclear sciences and engineering by awarding 
                grants to junior faculty for research on issues 
                related to nuclear energy engineering and 
                science;
                  (C) support fundamental nuclear sciences, 
                engineering, and health physics research 
                through a nuclear engineering education and 
                research program;
                  [(D) encourage collaborative nuclear research 
                among industry, National Laboratories, and 
                universities; and]
                  (D) promote collaborations, partnerships, and 
                knowledge sharing between institutions of 
                higher education, National Laboratories, other 
                Federal agencies, industry, and associated 
                labor unions; and
                  (E) support communication and outreach 
                related to nuclear science, engineering, and 
                health physics.
          (3) University-National Laboratory Interactions.--The 
        Secretary shall conduct--
                  (A) a fellowship program for professors at 
                universities to spend sabbaticals at National 
                Laboratories in the areas of nuclear science 
                and technology; and
                  (B) a visiting scientist program in which 
                National Laboratory staff can spend time in 
                academic nuclear science and engineering 
                departments.
          [(4) Strengthening University Research and Training 
        Reactors and Associated Infrastructure.--In carrying 
        out the program under this subsection, the Secretary 
        may support--
                  [(A) converting research reactors from high-
                enrichment fuels to low-enrichment fuels and 
                upgrading operational instrumentation;
                  [(B) consortia of universities to broaden 
                access to university research reactors;
                  [(C) student training programs, in 
                collaboration with the United States nuclear 
                industry, in relicensing and upgrading 
                reactors, including through the provision of 
                technical assistance; and
                  [(D) reactor improvements that emphasize 
                research, training, and education, including 
                through the Innovations in Nuclear 
                Infrastructure and Education Program or any 
                similar program.]
          (4) Strengthening university research and training 
        reactors and associated infrastructure.--
                  (A) In general.--In carrying out the program 
                under this subsection, the Secretary may 
                support--
                          (i) converting research reactors from 
                        high-enrichment fuels to low-enrichment 
                        fuels and upgrading operational 
                        instrumentation;
                          (ii) revitalizing and upgrading 
                        existing nuclear science and 
                        engineering infrastructure that support 
                        the development of advanced nuclear 
                        technologies and applications;
                          (iii) regional or subregional 
                        university-led consortia to--
                                  (I) broaden access to 
                                university research reactors;
                                  (II) enhance existing 
                                university-based nuclear 
                                science and engineering 
                                infrastructure; and
                                  (III) provide project 
                                management, technical support, 
                                quality engineering and 
                                inspections, manufacturing, and 
                                nuclear material support;
                          (iv) student training programs, in 
                        collaboration with the United States 
                        nuclear industry, in relicensing and 
                        upgrading reactors, including through 
                        the provision of technical assistance; 
                        and
                          (v) reactor improvements that 
                        emphasize research, training, and 
                        education, including through the 
                        Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure 
                        and Education Program or any similar 
                        program.
                  (B) Authorization of appropriations.--Of any 
                amounts appropriated to carry out the program 
                under this subsection, there is authorized to 
                be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out 
                clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) 
                $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 
                through 2026.
          (5) Advanced nuclear research infrastructure 
        enhancement.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry 
                out a subprogram to be known as the Advanced 
                Nuclear Research Infrastructure Enhancement 
                Subprogram in order to--
                          (i) demonstrate various advanced 
                        nuclear reactor and nuclear 
                        microreactor concepts;
                          (ii) establish medical isotope 
                        production reactors or other 
                        specialized applications; and
                          (iii) advance other research 
                        infrastructure that, in the 
                        determination of the Secretary, is 
                        consistent with the mission of the 
                        Department.
                  (B) New nuclear science and engineering 
                facilities.--In carrying out the subprogram, 
                the Secretary shall establish--
                          (i) not more than 4 new research 
                        reactors; and
                          (ii) new nuclear science and 
                        engineering facilities, as required to 
                        address research demand and identified 
                        infrastructure gaps.
                  (C) Locations.--New research reactors and 
                facilities established under subparagraph (B) 
                shall be established in a manner that--
                          (i) supports the regional or 
                        subregional consortia described in 
                        paragraph (4)(C); and
                          (ii) encourages the participation 
                        of--
                                  (I) historically Black 
                                colleges and universities;
                                  (II) Tribal colleges or 
                                universities;
                                  (III) minority-serving 
                                institutions;
                                  (IV) EPSCoR universities;
                                  (V) junior or community 
                                colleges; and
                                  (VI) associate-degree-
                                granting colleges.
                  (D) Fuel requirements.--New research reactors 
                established under subparagraph (B) shall not 
                use high-enriched uranium, as defined in 
                section 2001 of division Z of the Consolidated 
                Appropriations Act of 2021.
                  (E) Authorization of appropriations.--Of any 
                amounts appropriated to carry out the program 
                under this subsection, there are authorized to 
                be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out 
                the subprogram under this paragraph--
                          (i) $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022;
                          (ii) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2023;
                          (iii) $60,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2024;
                          (iv) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2025;
                          (v) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;
                          (vi) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2027;
                          (vii) $120,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2028; and
                          (viii) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 
                        2029.
          [(5)] (6) Radiological facilities management.--
                  (A) In general.--The Secretary shall carry 
                out a program under which the Secretary shall 
                provide project management, technical support, 
                quality engineering and inspection, and nuclear 
                material handling support to research reactors 
                located at universities.
                  (B) Authorization of appropriations.--Of any 
                amounts appropriated to carry out the program 
                under this subsection, there are authorized to 
                be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out 
                the program under this paragraph $20,000,000 
                for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.
          [(6)] (7) Nuclear energy university program.--In 
        carrying out the programs under this section, the 
        Department shall, to the maximum extent practicable, 
        allocate 20 percent of funds appropriated to nuclear 
        energy research and development programs annually, 
        excluding funds appropriated for the Advanced Reactor 
        Demonstration Program of the Department, to fund 
        university-led research and university infrastructure 
        projects through an open, competitive solicitation 
        process.
          [(7)] (8) Operations and Maintenance.--Funding for a 
        project provided under this subsection may be used for 
        a portion of the operating and maintenance costs of a 
        research reactor at a university used in the project.
          [(8) Definition.--In this subsection, the term 
        ``junior faculty'' means a faculty member who was 
        awarded a doctorate less than 10 years before receipt 
        of an award from the grant program described in 
        paragraph(2)(B).]
          (9) Definitions.--In this subsection:
                  (A) Associate-degree-granting college.--The 
                term ``associate-degree-granting college'' 
                means an institution of higher education (as 
                determined under section 101 of the Higher 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) that--
                          (i) is a nonprofit institution that 
                        offers a 2-year associate-degree 
                        program or a 2-year certificate 
                        program; or
                          (ii) is a proprietary institution 
                        that offers a 2-year associate degree 
                        program.
                  (B) Junior faculty.--The term ``junior 
                faculty'' means a faculty member who was 
                awarded a doctorate less than 10 years before 
                receipt of an award from the grant program 
                described in paragraph (2)(B).
                  (C) Junior or community college.--The term 
                ``junior or community college'' has the meaning 
                given the term in section 312 of the Higher 
                Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1058).
                  (D) Epscor university.--The term ``EPSCoR 
                university'' means an institution of higher 
                education located in a State eligible to 
                participate in the program defined in section 
                502 of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act 
                of 2010 (42 U.S.C. 1862p note).
                  (E) Historically black college or 
                university.--The term ``historically Black 
                college or university'' has the meaning given 
                the term ``part B institution'' in section 322 
                of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1061).
                  (F) Minority-serving institution.--The term 
                ``minority-serving institution'' means a 
                Hispanic-serving institution, an Alaska Native-
                serving institution, a Native Hawaiian-serving 
                institutions, a Predominantly Black 
                Institution, an Asian American and Native 
                American Pacific Islander-serving institution, 
                or a Native American-serving nontribal 
                institution as described in section 371 of the 
                Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
                1067q(a)).
                  (G) Tribal college or university.--The term 
                ``Tribal college or university'' has the 
                meaning given such term in section 316 of the 
                Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c).
  (b) Nuclear Energy Graduate Traineeship Subprogram.--
          (1) Establishment.--In carrying out the program under 
        subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a nuclear 
        energy graduate traineeship subprogram under which the 
        Secretary shall competitively award graduate 
        traineeships in coordination with universities to 
        provide focused, advanced training to meet critical 
        mission needs of the Department, including in 
        industries that are represented by skilled labor 
        unions.
          (2) Requirements.--In carrying out the subprogram 
        under this subsection, the Secretary shall--
                  (A) encourage appropriate partnerships among 
                National Laboratories, affected universities, 
                and industry; and
                  (B) on an annual basis, evaluate the needs of 
                the nuclear energy community to implement 
                graduate traineeships for focused topical areas 
                addressing mission-specific workforce needs.
          (3) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
        authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry 
        out the subprogram under this subsection $5,000,000 for 
        each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *

                              ----------                              


                    OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009



           *       *       *       *       *       *       *
     DIVISION C--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES 
APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2009

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


                               TITLE III

DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


SEC. 313. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.

  (a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy, the Administrator 
of the National Nuclear Security Administration, and the 
Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall jointly 
establish a program, to be known as the ``University Nuclear 
Leadership Program''.
  (b) Use of Funds.--
          (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
        amounts made available to carry out the Program shall 
        be used to provide financial assistance for 
        scholarships, fellowships, and research and development 
        projects at institutions of higher education in areas 
        relevant to the programmatic mission of the applicable 
        Federal agency, with an emphasis on providing the 
        financial assistance with respect to research, 
        development, demonstration, and commercial application 
        activities relevant to civilian advanced nuclear 
        reactors including, but not limited to--
                  (A) relevant fuel cycle technologies;
                  (B) project management; and
                  (C) advanced construction, manufacturing, and 
                fabrication methods.
          (2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), 
        amounts made available to carry out the Program may be 
        used to provide financial assistance for a scholarship, 
        fellowship, or multiyear research and development 
        project that does not align directly with a 
        programmatic mission of the Department of Energy, if 
        the activity for which assistance is provided would 
        facilitate the maintenance of the discipline of nuclear 
        science or engineering,which may include nontechnical 
        nuclear research.XXXXX
  (c) Definitions.--In this section:
          (1) Advanced nuclear reactor; institution of higher 
        education.--The terms ``advanced nuclear reactor'' and 
        ``institution of higher education'' have the meanings 
        given those terms in section 951 of the Energy Policy 
        Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271).
          (2) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the 
        University Nuclear Leadership Program established under 
        this section.
          (3) Nontechnical nuclear research.--The term 
        ``nontechnical nuclear research'' means research with 
        specializations such as social sciences or law that can 
        support an increase in community engagement, 
        participation, and confidence in nuclear energy 
        systems, including the navigation of the licensing 
        required for advanced reactor deployment, aligned with 
        the objectives in section 951(a)(2) of the Energy 
        Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271(a)(2)).
  (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to 
be appropriated to carry out the Program for each of fiscal 
years 2021 through 2025--
          (1) [$30,000,000] $45,000,000 to the Secretary of 
        Energy, of which $15,000,000 shall be for use by the 
        Administrator of the National Nuclear Security 
        Administration; and
          (2) $15,000,000 to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]



                        [all]