hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Supports advanced nuclear projects with enhanced loan guarantees, covers cost overruns.
Senators Risch (R-ID), Gallego (D-AZ)
Introduced in the Senate, no vote yet.
This bill creates a program within the Department of Energy to provide enhanced loan guarantees and financial support for certain cost overruns for advanced nuclear energy projects. It aims to increase cost certainty for these large-scale projects. Senators Risch and Gallego introduced the bill, which is currently with the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced Feb 10, 2026
S. 3814 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. For it to become law, it must pass through committee, be voted on by the full Senate, pass the House of Representatives, and then be signed by the President. It has not yet received a committee hearing or vote.
The bill creates an Accelerating Reliable Capacity Program Account, authorizing $3.6 billion, to help cover cost overruns for advanced nuclear energy projects receiving federal loan guarantees. This could make it easier and less risky for companies to build new nuclear power plants. Additionally, the bill allows certain federal power marketing administrations, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and military installation projects to benefit from this program, even if they receive other federal benefits, by creating an exception to current 'no double benefit' rules.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill is vital to accelerate advanced nuclear energy development, providing crucial cost certainty for capital-intensive projects.
Critics Say
Critics might express concerns about taxpayer liability for private project cost overruns and the financial risk involved in government backing for these projects.
Those in favor would highlight the bill's purpose to increase cost certainty and facilitate the construction of advanced nuclear energy projects, which are seen as critical for clean energy goals and national energy independence. They would point to the robust planning and oversight requirements for qualifying projects as safeguards. Opponents, however, could argue that the bill shifts significant financial risk from private developers to taxpayers, especially by allowing the government to cover a portion of construction cost overruns up to $1.2 billion per project. They might also question the expansion of federal benefits to entities like the Tennessee Valley Authority.