Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Alex Padilla, John Cornyn, Cory Booker, and Patty Murray have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at accelerating the development of commercial fusion technology. The Fusion Energy Act seeks to streamline the creation of clear federal regulations to support the growth of commercial fusion energy systems.

Senator Young expressed the importance of the bill, stating, “Our bipartisan bill marks a pivotal step in advancing fusion energy, which has the potential to usher in a new era of energy production in America. By establishing a clear regulatory framework, this bill would improve the research and development of fusion capabilities, enabling commercialization and reaffirming American leadership in innovation and technology.”

Senator Padilla emphasized the potential of fusion energy to provide sustainable and carbon-free electricity for the entire country, highlighting the recent breakthrough in fusion ignition at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a significant development towards meeting clean energy goals.

Senator Cornyn voiced his support for advancements in fusion technology, noting that fusion energy offers a clean and safe power source that can contribute to meeting the nation's energy needs as part of Texas' diverse energy economy.

Senator Booker echoed the sentiment, stating, "New Jersey has long been at the forefront of fusion research and innovation, driving the future of clean energy." He expressed pride in supporting legislation that can propel fusion energy forward as a potential source of abundant carbon-free energy to combat climate change and drive economic growth.

Senator Murray, representing Washington state, highlighted the state's leadership in fusion development and emphasized the importance of providing regulatory certainty to accelerate fusion research, development, and deployment. She expressed commitment to working with colleagues to ensure the United States maintains its leadership in this groundbreaking technology.

Andrew Holland, Chief Executive Officer of the Fusion Industry Association, expressed the organization's support for regulatory and legislative efforts that provide certainty in the regulation of fusion energy. He emphasized the need to separate the regulation of fusion energy from fission and looked forward to working with Members of Congress to see this enacted into law.

The Congressional Fusion Energy Caucus Co-Chairs in the House of Representatives have also passed companion legislation to support the bill introduced by Senator Young and his colleagues.

The Fusion Energy Act aims to drive innovation and support the growth of the commercial fusion energy sector by establishing a tailored regulatory framework and streamlining considerations for licensing commercial fusion machines. The legislation reflects a bipartisan effort to unlock the potential of fusion energy as a clean, abundant, and cost-effective source of power for the future.