Jeff Merrifield Addresses U.S. Congress on Nuclear Permitting Reform to Advance Efficient Licensing

During his testimony, Merrifield described the role that nuclear power can play in securing the clean, reliable and resilient energy needed to power the nation’s electric grid, decarbonize critical industrial capabilities and power the nation’s increasing data demands.

Merrifield said that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has “come a long way” since he last spoke to the House in 2023, particularly as a result of the passage of the Advance Act of 2024 which required the agency to change its mission to enable the safe deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. He added that, “For the nuclear industry to thrive and grow, it needs a Commission structure that is collegial, efficient, risk-informed and predictable – standards that absent further tinkering it is well positioned to achieve.”

Merrifield commented specifically on six pieces of legislation now being considered by the House committee and subcommittee.

To read Merrifield’s full statement to Congress, please see here and his prior testimony in 2023 here.

Pillsbury, which was named the Most Innovative Law Firm in North America in the Energy Transition (Financial Times, 2023 and 2024) and is ranked among the elite by both Chambers USA and Chambers Global, possesses one of the world’s top nuclear energy teams—a trailblazing practice with a track record full of firsts for more than 50 years, including having worked on large-scale nuclear energy projects and related matters and their financings in more than 30 countries on six continents.

USNIC is the leading U.S. business advocate for the promotion of nuclear advancement and the American supply chain globally. USNIC represents over 100 companies engaged in nuclear innovation and supply chain development, including technology developers, manufacturers, construction engineers, key utility movers, and service providers.