Description:
H.R. 6140 would direct the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct various studies and activities related to the supply of new types of fuels for commercial nuclear reactors. In particular, the bill would authorize DOE to acquire certain materials on behalf of other entities and to develop a schedule for recovering those costs. Other provisions in the bill would authorize the appropriation of $1.5 million for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2021 to assist in the development of new methods for transporting new nuclear materials. Finally, DOE’s authority to implement the programs would expire at the end of 2033. CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 6140 would increase net direct spending by $120 million over the 2019-2028 period as a result of provisions authorizing DOE to purchase materials. CBO estimates, however, that this net cost would be offset in subsequent years by income from commercial sales of the material. In addition, CBO estimates that the programmatic costs associated with implementing the bill would total $20 million over the 2019-2023 period, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts. Because enacting H.R. 6140 would affect direct spending, pay-as-you-go procedures apply. The bill would not affect revenues. CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 6140 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits by more than $5 billion in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2029. H.R. 6140 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.
