National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-4819
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Gonzalez, Anthony [R-OH-16]
Introduced: 2021-07-29
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations

Education programs funding

Energy research

Higher education

Labor-management relations

Nuclear power

Research administration and funding

Science and engineering education
Latest action: action_date: 2022-09-14
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 362.

Summaries:
action_date: 2021-07-29
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021</b></p> <p>This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and expands a Department of Energy program designed to strengthen university research and training in nuclear science and engineering. For example, the bill expands the program to provide support to universities for revitalizing and upgrading existing nuclear science and engineering infrastructure that support the development of advanced nuclear technologies and applications.</p>

action_date: 2022-09-14
action_desc: Reported to House
text: <p><b>National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021</b></p> <p>This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and expands the Nuclear Energy University Program within the Department of Energy (DOE) that supports university research and training in nuclear science and engineering. For example, the bill expands the program to provide support to universities for revitalizing and upgrading existing nuclear science and engineering infrastructure that support the development of advanced nuclear technologies and applications. In addition, the bill establishes an Advanced Nuclear Research Infrastructure Enhancement Subprogram under which DOE must establish four new research reactors as well as new nuclear science and engineering facilities.</p>

tv_txt: I 117th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4819 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 29, 2021 Mr. Gonzalez of Ohio (for himself, Mr. Foster , Mr. Casten , and Mr. Meijer ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology A BILL 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.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021 . 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. 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, 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. . 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) 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 ). .

tv_txt: IB Union Calendar No. 362 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4819 [Report No. 117–466] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 29, 2021 Mr. Gonzalez of Ohio (for himself, Mr. Foster , Mr. Casten , and Mr. Meijer ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology September 14, 2022 Additional sponsors: Ms. Ross , Mrs. Luria , Mr. Gottheimer , Mr. Carter of Georgia , Ms. Johnson of Texas , Mr. Fitzpatrick , Ms. Wild , Mr. Lamb , Mr. Michael F. Doyle of Pennsylvania , Mr. Cartwright , Ms. Dean , Mr. Phillips , and Mr. Donalds September 14, 2022 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on July 29, 2021 A BILL 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.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021 . 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. 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. . 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 ). . 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 .

September 14, 2022 Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed