Washington, D.C. – During a U.S. Senate Energy and Public Works nomination hearing to consider Ho Nieh to be a Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner (NRC), Senator John Curtis (R-UT) underscored Utah’s growing leadership in the future of clean, technologically advanced nuclear energy, securing commitment from Mr. Nieh for greater collaboration between states and federal regulators.
Click here or above to watch Senator Curtis question Mr. Nieh
“[Nuclear energy is] clean, it is reliable. I think as we get it up to scale, it will become more and more affordable, and Utah would look to be a leader in it,” said Curtis.
While questioning Nieh, Curtis highlighted the importance of early engagement with states and the need to remove regulatory roadblocks that can delay or derail nuclear energy projects. He emphasized the potential for Utah to host pilot programs in partnership with the NRC and industry innovators, stating, “I think Utah would be very interested in participating with you [on pilot programs] and seeing if we can find some new, innovative approaches.”
Curtis also discussed the ADVANCE Act, which includes his legislation — the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Prize Act — aimed at creating a more predictable and transparent regulatory pathway for applicants and developers.
Nominee Ho Nieh committed to improving transparency and communication with states, pledging to work closely with stakeholders and provide greater clarity around licensing timelines and safety decisions.