U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) announced that his legislation to support the domestic nuclear energy industry has been signed into law by President Donald Trump. The International Nuclear Energy Act was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
“Idaho, and the U.S. as a whole, has long been a leader in nuclear energy development,” said Risch. “Now that my International Nuclear Energy Act has been signed into law by President Trump, the U.S. will have the tools to continue to outcompete China and Russia and build long-lasting nuclear energy deals that benefit our economy and national security.”
The new law aims to strengthen U.S. civil nuclear exports through several measures: establishing financing relationships, promoting regulatory harmonization, enhancing safeguards and security, standardizing licensing frameworks, and creating a working group on nuclear exports. It also establishes programs to support international cooperation on financing, training, education, market analysis, safety, security, safeguards, and governance for civil nuclear programs.
Additionally, the legislation requires a biennial cabinet-level summit focused on nuclear safety and security to improve cooperation between private industry and government. It creates a Strategic Infrastructure Fund Working Group tasked with exploring how best to structure funding for projects important to national security.
Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined Risch in introducing the bill.
Idaho is home to Idaho National Laboratory (INL), which is recognized as a leader in civil nuclear research. INL was the first facility worldwide to generate electricity using a nuclear reactor. The laboratory continues work on advanced technologies such as small modular reactors and microreactors through partnerships with industry stakeholders.
Senator Risch has consistently advocated for increased domestic production of nuclear energy and advancing new technologies in this sector.
