International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 aims to establish a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to bolster U.S. civil nuclear cooperation and exports. This strategy seeks to promote U.S. nuclear energy companies and technologies internationally, particularly in nations developing their civil nuclear programs, while countering the influence of countries like Russia and China. A key provision is the establishment of an Office of the Assistant to the President and Director for International Nuclear Energy Export Policy within the National Energy Dominance Council to coordinate these efforts. This new White House office will be responsible for developing cohesive federal strategies for engaging with foreign governments, including ally or partner nations and embarking civil nuclear nations, on civil nuclear exports. It will also coordinate policies and ensure necessary framework agreements and trade controls are in place for key markets. Additionally, the bill establishes a Nuclear Exports Working Group tasked with creating a 10-year civil nuclear trade strategy, including biennial export targets for U.S. technologies and materials, with input from private industry. The President is directed to launch an international initiative to modernize civil nuclear outreach to embarking civil nuclear nations. This initiative includes providing financial assistance, such as grants up to $5.5 million per nation, and facilitating technical capacity building. It also authorizes financial support for these nations to contract with U.S. nuclear energy companies for senior advisors, who will assist in establishing civil nuclear programs, developing financing and licensing frameworks, and managing spent nuclear fuel. The bill mandates enhanced cooperation with ally or partner nations on advanced nuclear reactor demonstration and cooperative research facilities. The Secretary of State, in coordination with other agencies, will conduct meetings to foster collaborative relationships for research, development, licensing, and deployment of advanced reactors, emphasizing U.S. companies and cost-sharing arrangements. Furthermore, a biennial cabinet-level international conference will be held to reinforce commitments to nuclear safety, security, safeguards, and sustainability, and to develop standardized frameworks and financing alternatives to Chinese and Russian options. The legislation also considers establishing an Advanced Reactor Coordination and Resource Center to identify qualified organizations, develop standardized models for civil nuclear programs, and support multinational regulatory standards. A Strategic Infrastructure Fund Working Group will assess the feasibility of a fund for strategically important capital-intensive infrastructure projects, including civil nuclear technologies. Finally, the bill requires a joint assessment with India on nuclear liability rules and includes a sunset clause, terminating the Act 20 years after its enactment.