Environment and Public Works Committee, Clean Air and Nuclear Safety Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
The "Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026" mandates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to initiate a rulemaking within 90 days of the Act's enactment. This rulemaking is specifically designed to authorize the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in structures at nuclear power plants that are not critical for safety. The NRC retains the authority to require stricter material standards, but only if it makes a formal determination that such standards are absolutely necessary to address a specific safety risk . This determination must align with the criteria for common defense and security, and the adequate protection of public health and safety, as outlined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. Hearings held.
Energy
Administrative law and regulatory proceduresMetalsNuclear powerNuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026
USA119th CongressS-4529| Senate
| Updated: 5/20/2026
The "Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026" mandates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to initiate a rulemaking within 90 days of the Act's enactment. This rulemaking is specifically designed to authorize the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in structures at nuclear power plants that are not critical for safety. The NRC retains the authority to require stricter material standards, but only if it makes a formal determination that such standards are absolutely necessary to address a specific safety risk . This determination must align with the criteria for common defense and security, and the adequate protection of public health and safety, as outlined in the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.