U.S. senators back FIRST Act to expand civil nuclear export support

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FIRST Act boosts nuclear export

Highlights

U.S. senators introduced the FIRST Act to codify the State Department's FIRST program, promoting civil nuclear energy deployment and supporting over 50 partner countries.
The legislation intends to strengthen U.S. nuclear industry competitiveness abroad, offering a strategic alternative to Chinese and Russian nuclear technologies and promoting high safety and nonproliferation standards.
The bill is backed by bipartisan sponsors and endorsed by the Nuclear Energy Institute, ClearPath, Breakthrough Institute, and Third Way, signaling broad industry and policy support.

Legislation seeks to formalize nuclear diplomacy program

As reported by Energy and Natural Resources Committee News, citing Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Democratic News, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and senators Chris Coons and Ted Budd have introduced the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology, or FIRST, Act to codify the State Department's existing FIRST program.

The measure is designed to promote the responsible international deployment of civil nuclear energy, including through bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement, support for licensing and regulatory best practices, and early-stage commercial project development for U.S. civil nuclear projects abroad. It also calls for cooperation with partner countries on training, technical resources, and possible coordination of codes and standards.

Launched in 2019, the FIRST program works through U.S. public-private partnerships to bolster the country's position in the nuclear energy industry with partner nations. The State Department program currently works with more than 50 countries exploring civil nuclear energy options and seeking energy security through small modular reactors.

Strategic and industry implications for U.S. nuclear suppliers

Supporters of the bill frame it as both an energy security and industrial policy measure, arguing that stronger U.S. engagement can provide an alternative to Chinese and Russian nuclear technologies in overseas markets. The legislation also aims to support financing partnerships intended to help countries avoid debt-trap exposure while advancing high standards for safety, security, and nonproliferation.

Heinrich says nuclear power is an important part of a clean energy future and that the U.S. should lead its safe and responsible deployment globally. Coons says broader nuclear growth can lower consumer costs and help address climate change, while Budd links the effort to U.S. national security, economic benefits, and export market expansion for innovators, including next-generation nuclear companies in North Carolina.

The legislation is led by Coons and Budd, with Heinrich and Senator Pete Ricketts listed as cosponsors. The bill has endorsements from the Nuclear Energy Institute, ClearPath, Breakthrough Institute, and Third Way.

Our earlier coverage of North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation’s credit rating update explained that the cooperative maintained an investment-grade 'A+' profile while entering a heavier, largely debt-funded capital spending cycle. We noted that rising operating costs and leverage were expected to increase as NCEMC advances major generation and grid investments, including spending tied to the Catawba nuclear plant, with future rate actions playing a key role in supporting financial metrics.

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