Description:
H.R. 589 would amend the objectives of several programs administered by the Department of Energy (DOE). Title IV of the legislation would direct DOE to establish a new nuclear research test reactor and would authorize the agency to allow private-sector entities to construct advanced experimental facilities on DOE land. Other provisions would establish a low-dose radiation research program and recodify DOE’s authority to carry out activities through its Office of Science. Assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 589 would cost $3.3 billion over the 2019-2028 period. CBO also estimates that the legislation would increase direct spending by $10 million over the 2019-2028 period; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply. Enacting H.R. 589 would not affect revenues. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 589 would not increase net direct spending by more than $2.5 billion or on-budget deficits by more than $5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. H.R. 589 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
