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Which is why Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Norfolk, has proposed a bill meant to fast track advanced nuclear energy. And, as seems to be emerging as a pattern, she’s enlisted Virginia colleagues from the across the aisle — Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland County, and Rep Denver Riggleman, R-Nelson County — as co-sponsors.

“As an engineer who operated nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers, I know that ensuring a thriving civilian nuclear industry is vital,” Luria said. “Nuclear energy must be part of any solution to transitioning to a clean energy future because nuclear power provides over 55% of our carbon-free energy.”

The bill would:

*set a strategy for nuclear science and engineering research and development;

* provide for at least two advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects, to be completed by the end of 2025;

* let federal entities arrange power purchase agreements for up to 40 years, to make it more feasible for nuclear plant operators to venture into this line of business;

* start a pilot program for a long-term nuclear power purchase agreements for new nuclear technology;

* require the Department of Energy to provide a source for fast-neutron research;

* launch a program to supply reactors with High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel.

* set up scholarships and funding for students pursuing studies in nuclear science.

“We need an all-the-above energy strategy, and nuclear energy is an important component of that,” Wittman said.

Riggleman said “This bill will help position the United States as a global energy leader in a responsible and bipartisan way.”

Dave Ress, 757-247-4535, dress@dailypress.com