Last week, U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) introduced the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act, a bill aimed at establishing a risk reduction program for new commercial nuclear reactors.
The ARC Act has drawn support from several industry leaders who highlight its potential impact on meeting growing energy demands and advancing nuclear technology in the United States.
ClearPath Action CEO Jeremy Harrell stated, “Rising demand for clean, affordable and reliable energy highlights the role nuclear plays in unlocking American energy dominance. The faster nuclear projects get off the ground, the faster the U.S. can build new manufacturing facilities and data centers. The bipartisan ARC Act seeks to supercharge the deployment of new nuclear projects to meet this need.”
Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute, commented, “The Accelerating Reliable Capacity Act offers an important part of the solution to address the financial barriers that can prevent the deployment of new nuclear reactors. With essential financing solutions and consumer protections, this legislation can accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology, enhance U.S. energy independence, and strengthen our global leadership in clean and reliable energy innovation. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Senators Risch and Gallego and look forward to working with Congress and other stakeholders to advance this important bill.”
John Wagner, Director at Idaho National Laboratory, said, “I want to thank Senators Risch and Gallego for their leadership on addressing barriers to advanced reactor deployment. Providing targeted cost overrun protection for first-of-a-kind projects will help accelerate commercial deployment, meet the significant growth in demand for reliable power that our industrial sector and economic competitiveness require, and ensure continued U.S. leadership in nuclear energy.”
Ed Lodge, President of Idaho Public Utilities Commission remarked: “Idaho has long been a leader in advancing U.S. nuclear energy, with cutting-edge technologies being demonstrated at Idaho National Laboratory that can help meet growing demand. Senator Jim Risch’s ARC Act supports the next generation of advanced nuclear by addressing the unique risks of first-of-a-kind projects. By pairing a targeted federal financial backstop with strong safeguards, this bipartisan legislation helps reduce financial uncertainty, protect customers and ratepayers and accelerate commercialization.”
Desmarie Waterhouse from American Public Power Association added: “The American Public Power Association (APPA) applauds Senators Risch and Gallego for their bipartisan leadership on introducing the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act of 2026. The ARC Act’s cost overrun protections meaningfully address financial barriers facing next-generation nuclear projects. As energy demand continues to grow nationwide, public power utilities need access to more baseload generation to ensure affordable and reliable service for the communities they serve. APPA commends Senators Risch and Gallego for recognizing the essential role nuclear energy can play in meeting rising electricity demand while preserving affordability and reliability for American households.”
Ted Geisler from Arizona Public Service noted: “The Accelerating Reliable Capacity Act is critical to the establishment of new nuclear assets in the United States and at home in Arizona. APS has a long history of nuclear leadership at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station which provides 4.0 GW of clean, reliable nuclear energy to over 4 million customers. We are thankful for Arizona’s Senator Ruben Gallego and Senator Jim Risch for their bipartisan leadership to help bring new nuclear to the United States.”
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute described it as “a critical step toward addressing unprecedented electricity demand driven by data center growth,” emphasizing its importance in ensuring grid reliability while supporting environmental goals.
IBEW International President Kenneth Cooper stated: “I commend Senators Risch and Gallego for their leadership in support of the advanced nuclear industry… Federal incentives have a critical role to play in bringing new nuclear technology to market. The ARC Act represents a pivotal step of moving projects from studies and speculation to shovels in the ground and unlocking meaningful private sector investment.”
Patrick O’Brien from Holtec International said: “Holtec International is encouraged by the ARC act introduction from Senator Risch and Senator Gallego…this is another tool in the toolbox to help ensure industry delivers on promise…while helping de-risk first-of-a-kind construction costs.”
Reece Rushing from Clean Air Task Force commented: “Clean Air Task Force commends Senators Risch and Gallego…This bill addresses key barriers impeding rapid deployment…needed to strengthen U.S. energy security…”
Sean McGarvey representing North America’s Building Trades Unions remarked: “We commend Senators Risch and Gallego for their work towards strengthening America’s energy reliability…giving America ability reclaim its leadership…”
Daniel Poneman & Admiral Richard Mies (Ret.), co-chairs at Nuclear Energy National Security noted: “The ARC Act is a timely…step toward strengthening America’s national & energy security…”
Judi Greenwald from Nuclear Innovation Alliance stated: “NIA commends Senators Risch & Gallego…which would reduce early-mover risk & help unlock private investment…”
Todd Anrajano with U.S.Nuclear Industry Council added: “USNIC thanks Senators Risch & Gallego…reducing risk of cost overruns is critical…”
Bobby Olsen from SRP concluded: “For decades,nuclear energy has delivered reliable,power as part diversified resource mix.As Arizona’s demand grows,…Senator Gallego’s Accelerating Reliable Capacity(ARC)Act represents meaningful step toward reducing costs…”
Senator Jim Risch has been active on issues related to energy independence throughout his career as outlined on his official website; he also serves as U.S. Senator representing Idaho where he leads or holds positions on several Senate committees including those focused on foreign relations,energy, small business,and intelligence.
