Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson challenged the two arms of the government’s nuclear energy organizations, the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), when they came to testify before the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee.  The FY13 budget request for the Department of Energy decreases funding for the Office of Nuclear Energy… Read more »

Idaho Congressman Questions Energy Secretary on Reductions in Nuclear Funding Read more »

In subcommittee hearing, Simpson questions Salazar on PILT, the Department’s national sage-grouse conservation strategy, energy development, and wildland fire funding Read more »

U.S. Representatives Jason Altmire (PA-04), Judy Biggert (IL-13), and Mike Simpson (ID-02), Co-Chairs of the House Nuclear Issues Working Group, today released the following statement on the announcement that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved the first new nuclear power plant permit in 30 years.  The new permit will allow Southern Co. to construct two new nuclear… Read more »

Idaho Congressman says Energy Department funding bill allows progress to continue on nuclear energy research and development Read more »

Idaho Congressman testifies before House Committee about need for Yucca Mountain to move forward, calls for change at top of NRC Read more »

“It doesn't take a doctorate in political science to recognize that this Administration's actions to close down Yucca Mountain are driven more by politics and a desire to please Nevada Senator Harry Reid than they are by science or what is best for taxpayers,” said Simpson. “Chairman Jazko is purposefully defying the will of Congress and acting unilaterally to waste billions of taxpayers dollars. It is very frustrating to me and to most Members of Congress that this type of manipulation is happening at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and we intend to make sure Chairman Jazko is held to account for his actions and that the requirements of federal law are fulfilled.” Read more »

I am writing to respond to the comments of former Governor Cecil Andrus and the Idaho Statesman’s editorial board regarding the recent agreement between the State of Idaho and the Department of Energy (DOE) over future shipments of very small quantities of spent nuclear fuel for research purposes.   While I have a great deal of respect for the former Governor, I am disappointed in his… Read more »

As Chairman, Congressman Simpson will be tasked with reducing spending levels that have grown out of control in recent years under Democrat control. In particular, he has his eyes set on the EPA, which has seen exponential growth in its budget since President Obama came into office. “The EPA is the scariest agency in the federal government, an agency run amok,” Simpson said. “Its bloated budget has allowed it to drastically expand its regulatory authority in a way that is hurting our economy and pushing an unwelcomed government further into the lives of Idahoans. As Chairman of this subcommittee, I look forward to bringing some common sense to the EPA and some certainty for our nation’s job creators.” Read more »

During the summit, Simpson noted the importance of holding continued discussions on the future of nuclear energy. He said, “Nuclear energy must be a part of our energy future if we are going to truly address the issues of greenhouse gases and climate change. However, if we’re going to advance nuclear industry in this country, both government and industry need to know where we are and where we’re going.” Read more »