U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation that will eliminate financial and technological barriers to nuclear innovation, according to a Sept. 28 press release from the U.S. Energy Department. The department said the legislation builds on the success of its Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear or GAIN initiative, which seeks to enable the industrial community to commercialize new or advanced nuclear technologies. The law calls for a cost-share grant program to fund a portion of the licensing fees that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission charges to review new reactor technologies. The department will develop a fast test reactor to speed up the development of advanced reactor fuels and materials. The law directs the department to partner with private industry to facilitate the siting of demonstration facilities. The national labs, universities, and private sector will collaborate to develop software tools that enhance research on fission and fusion reactors. The department has 180 days to submit a report to Congress regarding its ability to support experimental reactors. Trump also signed legislation directing the department to permit the use of national lab funds for early stage technology demonstration and overcome barriers impeding private sector interest. (S.97, HR. 589)