New federal legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse would expand tax incentives for investments in new nuclear energy projects in the U.S., which the Washington Republican said puts the energy source on parity with other sources. 

The Parity for Nuclear Energy Investment Act would build on the tax incentives for nuclear energy projects maintained in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) passed by Congress this past summer, according to a release.  

Specifically, the legislation would expand a 10% applicable production tax credit rate to investments made under another component of the OBBB known as the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit. New advanced nuclear facilities in non-metropolitan areas would also newly have access to the incentives. 

“The (Trump) administration is expediting efforts to produce more American nuclear energy, and Richland will be home to some of the first small modular reactors which will help achieve that goal,” Newhouse said in a statement. “These projects will create new high-quality jobs, increase economic development, and make Central Washington a leader in the future of U.S. nuclear energy production.” 

Two of the three entities behind the development of small modular reactors, or SMRs, in Richland – Energy Northwest and X-energy – are also throwing their weight behind the legislation alongside other nuclear energy companies and lobbyists. 

U.S. Rep Dan Newhouse

“This important bill from Congressman Newhouse reflects the national imperative to lead on advanced nuclear,” said Bob Schuetz, CEO of Energy Northwest, in a statement. “It ensures the new nuclear energy communities bonus tax credit will benefit the world-class workforce and residents of the Tri-Cities, bringing down the cost of the new nuclear projects needed for grid reliability in for the Pacific Northwest.” 

The text of the bill can be found here: https://newhouse.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/newhouse.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/newhou_040_xml.pdf