RELEASE: Breakthrough Institute Statement on the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act

Washington, D.C.—May 14, 2026—Today, Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act. Congressmen Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-4) also introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. After decades of stagnant demand, growing industries such as AI, advanced manufacturing, and broader electrification will bring large loads to the grid—and advanced nuclear technologies offer promising generation to meet that demand.

“A key barrier to new nuclear deployment in the United States is the relatively high cost of construction. The use of commercial-grade concrete and steel in non-safety-related applications maintains rigorous safety requirements for safety-significant systems and structures while advancing a more performance-aligned regulatory approach,” said Dr. Adam Stein, Director of Nuclear Energy Innovation at the Breakthrough Institute. “The bill also reaffirms that the Commission maintains authority to determine if a different material is necessary.”

Moreover, the bill reaffirms that the Commission retains authority to require additional measures where necessary to protect public health and safety. That authority is essential to ensuring that regulatory modernization remains risk-informed, performance-aligned, and fully protective of safety.

The Build Nuclear with Local Materials Act offers a clear pathway to reduce project timelines and costs without compromising public health and safety. We applaud Senators Lummis and Kelly and Representatives Donalds and Auchincloss for their leadership on advancing nuclear energy deployment and efforts to foster a supportive environment for nuclear technology.

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Media Contact:

Spencer Toohill

Chief of Staff for Nuclear Innovation

spencer@thebreakthrough.org