To help meet Alabama's growing energy needs, U.S. Reps. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) and Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) recently introduced legislation to research and develop small modular reactors (SMR) and microreactors for commercial applications in the United States.
The bill, H.R. 9710, would amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and task the Department of Energy with constructing two fully operational near-term small or micro-reactor projects by 2034. At least one of the projects must be attached to an existing operating or retired nuclear reactor site, like the Tennesee Valley Authority's unfinished Bellefonte Nuclear Plant in Jackson County.
"North Alabama has seen tremendous population growth and economic expansion in the last two decades, and I am committed to ensuring we make enough power to fuel North Alabama residents and businesses," Strong said. "Winter Storm Elliott was a wake-up call for us all. To avoid shortages in the future, we must be constantly investing in modern energy sources to power our economy for the next generation."
Aderholt, who co-sponsored the bill, said it would especially benefit those living in rural areas.
"Our nation's energy policy must reflect a commitment to increasing energy production so those in North Alabama, and across the nation, will always have access to power when they need it most," said Congressman Aderholt. "Residents of Alabama's Fourth Congressional District should never be subjected to a lack of power or lack of economic opportunities due to electric providers not being able to produce adequate energy supplies. This is why this bill is so important. Those in rural areas of the nation, like my district, will benefit greatly from the use of SMRs."
According to a press release from Strong's office, SMRs are "smaller, safer, and more cost-effective than conventional nuclear reactors and can be deployed in diverse settings, including rural areas and on military bases."
In July, State Senate Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) speculated that Bellefonte could soon produce energy after 36 years of inactivity, citing a potential small nuclear reactor program. He said such a program could bring thousands of new jobs to the area.
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