H.R. 9658, Nuclear Industry Deregulation. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net cost — and names who bears it.
H.R. 9658 · Net cost
What it does
This bill amends nuclear regulatory law to streamline NRC licensing procedures by allowing the Commission to issue construction permits and operating licenses without mandatory public hearings if no one requests one, and to use informal adjudicatory procedures when hearings are held. It also permits uranium enrichment facilities to begin construction before receiving a final license (at-risk construction), subject to NRC oversight and the existing ban on Russian uranium imports.
The analysis names nuclear utilities (AES, WEC, DUK, ED, XEL) — and 2 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The cost
The shift from mandatory to optional hearings creates a regulatory default favoring permit issuance; public participation now requires affirmative action rather than being built into the process, reducing effective public voice.
Transparency scores 45%. The analysis flags 1 rider and a high warning level.
Who is behind it
Filed by Victoria Spartz. Cosponsored by Thomas Massie.