Where Candidates Stand

Current Federal Policy

"Nuclear energy may just be the energy source that can save our planet from another possible disaster: catastrophic climate change. ... Nuclear energy is the only large-scale, cost-effective energy source that can reduce [carbon dioxide] emissions while continuing to satisfy a growing demand for power."

• Patrick Moore, Co-founder of Greenpeace & Co-chair of Clean and Safe Energy Coalition
  April 16, 2006

"[The United States should] provide opportunities for nuclear power to play a continuing role in a future low-carbon electricity sector. ...Because nuclear power is one of the few options for no-carbon electricity production, efforts should be made to preserve this option."

• Pew Center on Global Climate Change Recommendation in "Agenda for Climate Action"
  February 2006

Federal Policy on Energy and Nuclear Power

The Energy Policy Act of 2005

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub.L. 109-058) is a statute that was passed by the United States Congress on July 29, 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush on August 8, 2005 at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Act, described by proponents as an attempt to combat growing energy problems, provides tax incentives and loan guarantees for energy production of various types.

Nuclear-Specific Portions of the Bill include:

Provisions

• Authorizes loan guarantees for "innovative technologies" that avoid greenhouse gases, which might include advanced nuclear reactor designs (such as PBMR) as well as clean coal and renewable energy;

• Nuclear-specific provisions
  • Extends the Price-Anderson Nuclear Industries Indemnity Act through 2025;
  • Authorizes cost-overrun support of up to $2 billion total for up to six new nuclear power plants;
  • Authorizes a production tax credit of up to $125 million total per year, estimated at 1.8 US¢/kWh during the first eight years of operation for the first 6.000 MW of capacity ; consistent with renewables;
  • Authorizes $1.25 billion for the Department of Energy to build a nuclear reactor to generate both electricity and hydrogen;
  • Allows nuclear plant employees and certain contractors to carry firearms;
  • Prohibits the sale, export or transfer of nuclear materials and "sensitive nuclear technology" to any state sponsor of terrorist activities;
  • Updates tax treatment of decommissioning funds;
  • A provision for the U.S. Department of Energy to report in one year on how to dispose of high-level nuclear waste;

Tax reductions by subject area

• $4.3 billion for nuclear power

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 is aimed at helping expand the production of renewable fuels, reducing our dependence on oil, and confronting global climate change. It will increase our energy security, expand the production of renewable fuels, and make America stronger, safer, and cleaner for future generations.

Mention of Nuclear:
The President urged Congress to act on the remaining proposals from his Energy Security Agenda by saying: "We must continue changing the way America generates electric power through even greater use of cleaner coal technology, solar and wind energy, and clean, safe nuclear power."

For the complete Energy Policy Act of 2005, follow the link below:
http://www.epa.gov/oust/fedlaws/publ_109-058.pdf

For a summary and complete report of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, follow the link below:
http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=IssueItems.View&IssueItem_ID=58