Nuclear Power
A U.S. appeals court has ordered NRC to resume its review of DOE’s license application to build a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, ruling that NRC violated federal law. On August 13, 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to resume its…...
The House passed the 2013 Nuclear Iran Prevention Act by a 400-20 vote facilitating broader economic sanctions and increased oversight for enforcing existing Iran sanctions. On July 31, 2013, the House of Representatives passed the 2013 Nuclear Iran Prevention Act (H.R. 850) aimed to impose tougher sanctions against Iran’s petroleum sector and other industries, in…...
EIA projects a 56 percent growth in world energy consumption by 2040, driven by economic growth in emerging countries. Over its 2010-2040 projection period, renewables and nuclear are the fastest-growing sources, though fossil fuels continue to supply 80 percent of energy consumption. On July 25, 2013, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released its 2013 International…...
The Energy Consumers Relief Act, approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, would prevent EPA from finalizing major energy-related rules without DOE approval. On July 17, 2013, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved three energy-related bills – H.R. 1582, H.R. 1900, and H.R. 83 – aimed to promote economic growth and energy…...
DOE released a report examining the impacts of climate change on the nation’s energy and electricity infrastructure, including an assessment of ongoing efforts and potential opportunities to improve the energy sector’s climate resilience. On July 11, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a report examining current and future impacts of climate change on…...
President Obama’s second-term climate agenda includes sweeping measures to cut carbon emissions from power plants, boost renewable energy production, increase fuel economy standards, and advance international initiatives to combat climate change. On June 25, 2013, President Barack Obama outlined a comprehensive Climate Action Plan prioritizing measures to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to set a…...
WGA’s “10-Year Energy Vision” calls for collaborative interstate initiatives to achieve energy security by increasing energy production, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy distribution infrastructure, among other energy goals. On June 28, 2013, the Western Governors’ Association (WGA) released the “10-Year Energy Vision,” a regional plan articulating the energy goals of 19 member states, American…...
A newly proposed Senate bill would establish the State Energy Race to the Top program aimed at doubling the nation’s energy productivity by 2030. On June 20, 2013, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced a bill to establish a state grant program of federal incentives to boost energy productivity. The bill…...
The U.S. and Czech Republic have agreed to establish a joint nuclear center in Prague, aimed to expand nuclear energy collaboration through joint initiatives. On June 12, 2013, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a finalized agreement with the Czech Republic to establish a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Center at Prague. The collaboration will facilitate joint…...
As part of its safety measures following Japan’s 2011 Fukushima disaster, NRC has directed 31 U.S. nuclear reactors to upgrade venting systems to prevent pressure-induced explosions. On June 6, 2013, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued an order directing 31 U.S. nuclear reactors to overhaul venting systems to prevent pressure buildup in the event of…...
Energy tax reform proposals released by the House Ways and Means Committee outline potential modifications to federal tax code for fossil fuel production, renewable energy tax credits, and energy efficiency provisions. On May 6, 2013, the House Ways and Means Committee released the Joint Committee on Taxation report detailing tax reform suggestions to 11 Tax…...
Senators have sought GAO investigation of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor research program, in view of the constrained budget environment that could cut funding for U.S. fusion energy programs. On May 3, 2013, Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) wrote to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) seeking information…...