Bill · H.R. 8812· House(119-HR-8812)
Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/14/2026
- Last activity
- 5/14/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Byron Donalds
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026," directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to change its rules regarding materials used in nuclear power plants. It requires the Commission to start a rulemaking process within 90 days to allow commercial-grade steel and concrete to be used in structures that are not safety-related. The Commission can only prevent this if it decides that stricter standards are needed to address a specific safety risk. Such a determination must be based on protecting the public health, safety, common defense, and security.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill benefits energy and construction companies by allowing the use of cheaper, commercial-grade materials.
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+4
The bill supports the expansion of nuclear power by allowing more cost-effective construction materials for non-safety components.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
By reducing material requirements for non-safety structures, the bill may lower construction costs and facilitate nuclear plant projects.
The opposite
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-1
While primarily an energy bill, changes to nuclear infrastructure standards could theoretically impact broad national security stability.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Use of commercial-grade materials in non-safety structures: The bill allows for the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants per Section 2(a).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential safety risks: The Commission may decide that stricter material standards are necessary if using commercial-grade materials would be contrary to the common defense, security, or the adequate protection of public health and safety, as noted in Section 2(b).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-1
- 5/14/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jake AuchinclossDemocrat · Massachusetts