Energy Hearing: Nuclear Spent Fuel Policy: Examining Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a hearing on September 16, 2026, to examine the Department of Energy's (DOE) initiative to develop nuclear life cycle innovation campuses. These campuses aim to transform the nuclear fuel cycle by consolidating spent nuclear fuel storage, recycling, and waste disposal in states that volunteer to host such facilities. The hearing featured testimony from DOE officials and key stakeholders, including state regulators and industry representatives. Discussions focused on the need for congressional authorization to allow DOE to negotiate with states beyond the current exclusivity of Yucca Mountain, the economic benefits of the campuses, and the importance of protecting ratepayer funds in the nuclear waste fund. The committee also addressed the commercial viability of reprocessing technologies, the necessity of permanent geological repositories, and the role of private investment in advancing nuclear fuel recycling. Several witnesses emphasized the importance of durable agreements with host states, transparency, and federal oversight to ensure safety and public trust. The hearing highlighted legislative and policy considerations necessary to enable the DOE's proposal, including potential updates to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and funding mechanisms for the nuclear waste program.