Washington, D.C.–Congress voted to approve appropriations for fiscal year 2021 that includes $1.5 billion for nuclear energy programs. In response, Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, said the following:

“In a show of continued, strong bipartisan support, Congress has authorized $1.5 billion for nuclear energy programs, signaling the importance of nuclear energy as the country moves to an increasingly decarbonized economy. This legislation demonstrates growing confidence in our nation’s largest source of carbon-free energy, while building on efforts to ensure nuclear energy is properly valued alongside wind and solar in the United States’ carbon-free energy future.

“By including key elements of the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act in this legislation, Congress has signaled its commitment to accelerating the deployment of next-generation nuclear reactor technologies. Funding for advanced reactor demonstrations, including small modular reactors and microreactors, will keep America competitive in this strategic sector.

“As urgency to address our changing climate grows, we know that investment in innovations, like next-generation nuclear reactors, will become increasingly important in meeting our climate goals. Federal funding towards proven solutions, like nuclear energy, should continue to expand to match the challenges ahead. This will require the deployment of new nuclear designs and policies that preserve existing carbon-free nuclear plants. We look forward to advancing these goals and working with the new Congress to guarantee that all carbon-free technologies, including nuclear energy, are well-funded and positioned to electrify our economy and protect our climate.”

Nuclear Energy Funding
As of December 2020
(in millions of dollars)