Called for construction of a fast neutron source for testing advanced technologies. The U.S. currently lacks such a facility, forcing companies to look overseas to test certain reactor designs.
Developed a modeling study to inform nuclear R&D, future modeling research, and technology developers’ priorities as well as policy discussions at local, regional, and national levels.
Would have included enhanced federal investment in the nuclear industry, establishing facilities to test and develop advanced nuclear reactors and to develop domestic capabilities to produce the type of uranium needed for advanced reactors.
The 2005 Energy Policy Act established a production tax credit (PTC) of 1.8 cents per kilowatt-hour of electricity produced during the first eight years of operation by advanced nuclear power facilities.
Projected that if the similar types of federal tax incentives and mandates as those received by renewables were applied to small modular reactors, the return on investment would be three times less expensive per kWh.
Would establish a 30 percent tax credit for refueling costs and qualified nuclear power plant capital expenditures each year through 2023.
Included the National Highway Freight Program (which funds infrastructure investments directly) and the Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects Program (which provides projects with other forms of grants or credit assistance).
Provides investment in road, rail, transit and port projects. Congress has dedicated nearly $7.1 billion for ten rounds of National Infrastructure Investments to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact.
Recommendations including the development of competitive rate benchmarking methodology; required binding arbitration for determining unreasonable rates; use of reciprocal switching; and increased data disclosure.
Required certain railroad lines to install positive train control technology by the end of 2015, a deadline which has been extended.