East Idaho Times

Washington, D.C. – Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson yesterday voted to advance the FY24 Energy and Water Appropriations bill out of Committee for further consideration in the House of Representatives. The measure passed with a vote of 34-24.

“Even in years of decreasing budgets, we can and should still prioritize spending in the critical work of securing our nation’s energy and national security future—and that is exactly what this bill does.  This bill is a major step in the right direction, and I was pleased to see the majority of INL’s requests fulfilled in this legislation,” said Simpson.

Highlights of the bill unique to Idaho include provisions critical for the future of advanced nuclear reactors. Specifically, the bill

- Fully funds INL Facilities Operations and Maintenance as well as critical R&D programs.

- Rescinds $6 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Civilian Nuclear Credit Program.

• With the rescinded funding, the bill provides $1.197B, of which $399M would remain available until expended, to be available in each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 for the Advanced SMR RD&D program.
• It also provides $2.4B for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Availability (HALEU) of which $800M would remain available until expended, to be available in each of fiscal years 2024, 2025, 2026.

- Allocates $33.5 million for the Little Wood River, Idaho project, which would complete construction of the project.

“As a longtime member and former chairman of the House Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I know the significant contributions INL makes to our country, and I am pleased that this bill adequately funds INL priorities along with other provisions to bolster national security and economic competitiveness,” said Simpson.

Original source can be found here.