Bill · S. 4529· Senate(119-S-4529)
Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/14/2026
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. Hearings held.
- Sponsored by
- Cynthia Lummis
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the ``Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026'', aims to change how nuclear power plants are constructed. It requires the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to start a rulemaking process within 90 days of the bill becoming law. This process would allow for the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in structures that are not considered safety-related. However, the Commission maintains the power to require stricter material standards if they find a specific safety risk. Such a determination would be necessary if the standard materials are contrary to common defense, security, or the protection of public health and safety.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+4
The bill facilitates the construction of nuclear power plants, which are a source of low-carbon energy.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill provides more flexible and potentially cheaper material options for those in the nuclear construction and energy industries.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
Allowing commercial-grade materials may reduce construction costs and accelerate nuclear power plant development.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Authorization of commercial-grade materials: The bill requires the Commission to initiate a rulemaking that allows the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants (Section 2(a)). This could potentially change how materials are used in the construction of these plants.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential for safety risks: The Commission can determine that stricter material standards are necessary if using commercial-grade materials would be contrary to the common defense, security, and adequate protection of public health and safety (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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Improves Rural Development+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- 5/20/2026
- Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. Hearings held.
- 5/14/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona