Bill Overview
Title: Fueling Our Nuclear Future Act of 2022
Description: This bill modifies provisions under the Energy Act of 2020 concerning high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU), including by directing the Department of Energy (DOE) to (1) establish a program to accelerate the availability of commercially produced HALEU in the United States, and (2) accelerate or initiate activities to make HALEU available from DOE's inventories for use by advanced nuclear reactors.
Sponsors: Rep. Luria, Elaine G. [D-VA-2]
Target Audience
Population: People who will be impacted by increased availability and use of nuclear energy globally
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill aims to support the nuclear energy sector by accelerating the production and availability of HALEU in the U.S.
- Advanced nuclear reactors, which use HALEU, are expected to be a significant part of future energy solutions due to their efficiency and sustainability.
- There is a growing need for clean energy to combat environmental issues and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- While initially the commercialization of HALEU will directly impact those in the nuclear energy sector, the eventual impacts will be felt more broadly as nuclear energy becomes a more prominent energy source.
Reasoning
- The policy targets the nuclear energy sector by boosting the availability of HALEU, indirectly impacting other industries over time by integrating advanced nuclear reactors into the energy grid.
- The target group primarily includes nuclear energy companies, in particular those working with advanced reactors, but also extends to employees in related sectors and eventually to consumers through changes in energy pricing and supply.
- Given the estimated impact on a wide spectrum of the population, the simulated interviews aim to represent various stakeholders: current nuclear energy industry workers, potential future workers, general consumers, and environmental activists.
- Understanding contemporary Cantril Wellbeing Scores provides a baseline for assessing if and how this policy might alter individuals' perceptions over time.
Simulated Interviews
Nuclear Engineer (Oak Ridge, TN)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is imperative for maintaining our competitive edge in nuclear technology.
- It could secure jobs and offer new research opportunities in our field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I have reservations about nuclear energy, favoring its safe approach over fossil fuels is crucial.
- Long-term environmental benefits could be substantial if safety measures are prioritized.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Energy Policy Analyst (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The HALEU availability could significantly bolster nuclear energy's role in our renewable energy mix, though it must be handled with comprehensive regulatory oversight.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Oil Industry Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's a risk that this policy could divert investment away from traditional energy sectors.
- However, if handled wisely, it could complement existing energy sources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Professor (Chicago, IL)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This move would be academically invigorating, encouraging further research and development within nuclear sciences.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Tech Entrepreneur (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Advancements in nuclear technology could open new markets for IoT applications in energy efficiency and grid management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Small Business Owner (Burlington, VT)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If successful, this policy might lower energy prices locally in the long-term, potentially benefiting small businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The strategic move towards HALEU could significantly impact future energy landscapes.
- This policy could inspire more students to pursue studies in sustainable energy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Manufacturing Plant Supervisor (Detroit, MI)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Government backing for newer nuclear technologies might help stabilize energy costs for manufacturers.
- Long-term energy price stability can be vital for operational planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Finance Consultant (New York, NY)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy like this could shift the landscape of energy investments, introducing new opportunities for growth in the nuclear sector.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 3: $250000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 5: $350000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $400000000)
Year 10: $500000000 (Low: $450000000, High: $550000000)
Year 100: $60000000000 (Low: $55000000000, High: $65000000000)
Key Considerations
- The long-term success of the policy depends on technological advancements in HALEU production and its efficient use in next-generation reactors.
- The initial costs are substantial, but potential savings and economic benefits could offset these costs over time.
- Environmental and regulatory considerations, particularly concerning uranium enrichment and nuclear waste, could affect implementation timelines.