Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026

Cynthia M. Lummis

Republican · WY · Senator

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Mark Kelly (D-AZ)Original· 2026-05-14

Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate, and Nuclear Innovation and Safety. Hearings held.

2026-05-20

Source: Congress.gov

The bill would let nuclear power plants use cheaper, standard commercial-grade steel and concrete in parts of their structures that don't directly affect safety systems, rather than requiring the more expensive specialized materials currently mandated. This change could reduce construction and maintenance costs for nuclear plant operators, though it only applies to non-critical structures that don't control or contain radioactive materials. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission would need to approve which specific structures qualify for this less stringent requirement.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [S. 4529 Introduced in Senate (IS)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 4529 To require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 14, 2026 Ms. Lummis (for herself and Mr. Kelly) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non-safety-related structures at nuclear power plants, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. USE OF COMMERCIAL-GRADE STEEL AND CONCRETE. (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (referred to in this section as the ``Commission'') shall initiate a rulemaking that authorizes the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete in non- safety-related structures at nuclear power plants, unless, subject to subsection (b), the Commission determines that stricter material standards are necessary to address a specific safety risk. (b) Determination.--The Commission may make a determination under subsection (a) that stricter material standards are necessary to address a specific safety risk if the Commission determines that not using a stricter material standard would be contrary to the common defense and security and adequate protection of the public health and safety (within the meaning of section 182 a. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2232(a))). <all>

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