MORE American Fuel Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (5 Oct 2026): Held at the desk.
What this bill does
S. 5249, the MORE American Fuel Act of 2026, would amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses uranium enrichment facilities. Under current law, an applicant must obtain NRC approval before beginning construction. The bill would let an applicant start building an enrichment facility after the NRC dockets the license application but before operating approval is granted, provided the work complies with all applicable federal laws and is done entirely at the applicant's own risk. It also restructures the hearing process, allowing any person affected by a facility's operation to request a hearing and be admitted as a party, while removing the separate construction-related hearing step.
The change primarily affects companies seeking to build new uranium enrichment plants, as well as state governors, local governments, and Native American tribes near a proposed site, who would be entitled to written notice at least 15 days before construction begins. It does not remove the NRC's authority to deny an operating license if construction wasn't done properly, or to regulate construction as needed for licensing and oversight.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 5, 2026, by Sen. Mark Kelly with Sen. Cynthia Lummis as a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. It would need to be approved by that committee, then pass the full Senate and House, and be signed by the President before becoming law. If enacted, the NRC would have 180 days to issue implementing regulations.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
5 Oct 2026
Held at the desk.
Common questions
- What does S. 5249 do?
- S. 5249, the MORE American Fuel Act of 2026, would amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to change how the Nuclear Regulatory Commission licenses uranium enrichment facilities. Under current law, an applicant must obtain NRC approval before beginning construction. The bill would let an applicant start building an enrichment facility after the NRC dockets the license application but before operating approval is granted, provided the work complies with all applicable federal laws and is done entirely at the applicant's own risk. It also restructures the hearing process, allowing any person affected by a facility's operation to request a hearing and be admitted as a party, while removing the separate construction-related hearing step. The change primarily affects companies seeking to build new uranium enrichment plants, as well as state governors, local governments, and Native American tribes near a proposed site, who would be entitled to written notice at least 15 days before construction begins. It does not remove the NRC's authority to deny an operating license if construction wasn't done properly, or to regulate construction as needed for licensing and oversight. The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 5, 2026, by Sen. Mark Kelly with Sen. Cynthia Lummis as a cosponsor, and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. It would need to be approved by that committee, then pass the full Senate and House, and be signed by the President before becoming law. If enacted, the NRC would have 180 days to issue implementing regulations.
- Has S. 5249 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 5249. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 5249?
- S. 5249 was sponsored by Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ] (D-AZ), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 5249?
- Held at the desk. (5 Oct 2026).
Related bills in Energy
Nuclear REFUEL (Recycling Efficient Fuels Utilizing Expedited Licensing) Act
Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act
License to Drill Act
Clean School Bus Reauthorization Act
More bills from Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Reaffirming Extended Nuclear Deterrence Act of 2026
UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2026
Make AI Work for Americans Act
Consumer Fuel Costs Relief Act
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