Donalds Introduces The Build Nuclear With Local Materials Act

This press release from Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) was published on 2026-05-14 and titled "Donalds Introduces The Build Nuclear With Local Materials Act".

Donalds Introduces The Build Nuclear With Local Materials Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced bicameral legislation to cut "red tape" by allowing the use of commercial-grade concrete and steel for non-safety structures while maintaining strict regulatory oversight for all critical safety-related systems. Introduced as the 24th piece of legislation by Congressman Donalds in the 119th Congress, the bipartisan "Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act" is co-led by Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) lead the Senate companion to this legislation. This legislation aims to address burdensome control standards that have historically made the cost to build nuclear a financial burden. Streamlining the construction of nuclear facilities by reducing regulatory hurdles and lowering costs for non-safety-related infrastructure works to cut unnecessary red tape. This targeted approach ensures that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission maintains strict concrete and steel standards for critical safety systems, while allowing standard construction practices to move projects forward with more efficiency. The "Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act" has received endorsements from the Abundance Institute, the Breakthrough Institute, the Pacific Legal Foundation, C3 Solutions Organization, and Americans for Prosperity. "Energy security is national and economic security for the United States. As our energy demands continue to grow, it is essential that nuclear energy is a viable source of base load power. We must take a hard look at outdated and burdensome regulations and make practical, common-sense reforms," said Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL). "I am proud to work alongside Congressman Auchincloss, Senator Lummis, and Senator Kelly to introduce the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act to reduce construction and compliance costs for nuclear reactors, without sacrificing safety." "As nuclear technology evolves, our regulations should evolve with it," said Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY). "Requiring nuclear-grade materials in parts of a plant that have nothing to do with safety drives up costs and locks out local construction crews who are more than capable of doing the job. This legislation fixes that by requiring the NRC to allow commercial-grade concrete and steel where it's safe to do so. I'm pleased to work with Senator Kelly and Congressman Donalds to get this done. The result is simple: lower costs, more local jobs, and zero compromise on safety." "Massachusetts should build nuclear power — and build it with local jobs," said Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). "This bill ensures that more Bay Staters would do the work when Massachusetts moves to build clean, dispatchable, affordable power." "Representative Donalds' bill is a practical step toward making it easier to build more nuclear power in America. This kind of targeted reform helps create a more build-friendly environment for new nuclear projects and moves the country closer to abundant, reliable American energy. This is exactly the kind of policy Congress should advance if it is serious about energy abundance," said Chris Koopman, CEO of the Abundance Institute. "The Breakthrough Institute commends Representative Donalds for introducing the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act. After decades of stagnant electricity demand, growing industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and broader electrification will bring large loads to the grid. Advanced nuclear technologies are well-positioned to meet this demand, but high construction costs continue to be a constraint on deployment. Regulatory requirements governing the use of safety-related materials in non-safety-related structures can be a meaningful contributor to this cost. Aligning material standards with safety significance by allowing commercial-grade concrete and steel, where appropriate, can preserve stringent protections for critical systems while reducing unnecessary cost and complexity. This performance-based approach can help shorten construction timelines and improve project economics without compromising public health and safety. We appreciate Representative Donalds’ leadership in advancing pragmatic reforms to strengthen the conditions for new nuclear in the United States," said Dr. Adam Stein, Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation at the Breakthrough Institute. "For too long, the federal government has stifled nuclear energy with misguided and unnecessary red tape. Pacific Legal Foundation applauds Senator Lummis and Representative Donalds for introducing the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act, which directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to permit the use of commercial-grade steel and concrete at nuclear facilities. Passing this bill is one of many important steps needed to remove key barriers for American nuclear energy to expand, innovate, and power the future," said Josh Smith, Senior Fellow at the Pacific Legal Foundation. "Nuclear-grade materials carry an enormou