A group of U.S. lawmakers led by Senators Mark Kelly from Arizona and Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming introduced a new bill this week. The bill aims to modernize the production of nuclear fuel. It also seeks to reduce the country's dependence on imported energy. The proposed legislation is called the MORE American Fuel Act of 2026. It would simplify the licensing procedures for uranium enrichment sites. Such sites govern how nuclear fuel is made.
Currently, nuclear power contributes about 18 percent to the electricity generated in the United States. Despite that, the nation has struggled to keep up with demand for enriched uranium. In 2024, over 80 percent of the enriched uranium used in U.S. nuclear reactors was sourced from overseas. Nearly one-fifth of it came from Russia. As a new federal restriction on Russian uranium imports is set to be fully in place by 2028, both sides of the political aisle have pushed for the development of domestic enrichment capabilities.
The proposed bill would address some of the long-standing regulatory challenges in the uranium enrichment industry. One change would allow companies to start building facilities before they have received final approval. This is possible if the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recorded their application. The bill also removes the need for mandatory administrative hearings. This applies when no third parties have a stake in the process. It keeps in place the right for the public to initiate such hearings if they wish to.
To ensure transparency, the legislation would require federal officials to inform state and local governments, including Tribal authorities, in writing before any pre-license construction begins. It also enforces the requirement for thorough environmental impact reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act before uranium is enriched or stored. Importantly, the NRC would retain all its existing powers to oversee, manage, and enforce the regulations that apply to these types of facilities.
Senator Kelly, who has taken a leadership role in nuclear policy, has been working closely with colleagues to reshape the U.S. nuclear industry. This bill follows a series of other proposals he has supported. Such proposals include the Legacy Mine Cleanup Act. This act focused on cleaning up old uranium mines on tribal territories.
The MORE American Fuel Act has received backing from several influential groups in the energy and nuclear sectors. Organizations including the Nuclear Energy Institute, Orano USA, and others have voiced their support, highlighting how the bill could fast-track the construction process and eliminate delays that slow down domestic production, especially as energy consumption is expected to rise.
In public remarks, Kelly emphasized the need to reduce the country’s reliance on imported nuclear fuel, calling nuclear power a dependable energy source. Lummis focused on the importance of securing energy at home, noting that the coming restrictions on Russian uranium make it urgent to expand domestic production.
The legislation is seen as a step toward building a stronger foundation for the nuclear industry, balancing the need for efficiency with the requirement for safety. The success of the MORE American Fuel Act will hinge on its ability to gain passage in Congress and be effectively implemented by the NRC.