Huntsville Leader

This week, Congressman Dale W. Strong (AL-05) introduced legislation aimed at advancing the research, development, demonstration, and commercial application of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and micro-reactors in the United States.

The Department of Energy will be required to construct and demonstrate two near-term SMR or micro-reactor projects that can be fully deployed by 2034 under this legislation. At least one project must be located on or adjacent to an operating or retired nuclear reactor site.

Bellefonte Nuclear Plant, an unfinished Tennessee Valley Authority asset, is one such site that would qualify under this legislation.

“North Alabama has seen tremendous population growth and economic expansion in the last two decades, and I am committed to ensuring we make enough power to fuel North Alabama residents and businesses,” said Congressman Strong. “Winter Storm Elliott was a wake-up call for us all. To avoid shortages in the future, we must be constantly investing in modern energy sources to power our economy for the next generation.”

Fellow North Alabama Representative Robert Aderholt (AL-04) co-sponsored Strong’s Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Demonstration Act of 2024.

“Our nation’s energy policy must reflect a commitment to increasing energy production so those in North Alabama, and across the nation, will always have access to power when they need it most,” said Congressman Aderholt. “Residents of Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District should never be subjected to a lack of power or lack of economic opportunities due to electric providers not being able to produce adequate energy supplies. This is why this bill is so important. Those in rural areas of the nation, like my district, will benefit greatly from the use of SMRs.”