Building on his commitment to job creation and an all-of-the above energy strategy, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9) today announced he is backing a plan to license a new nuclear reactor in Missouri that would provide clean, safe and affordable energy to thousands of hard-working Missourians and has the support of energy service providers statewide.

Luetkemeyer said today that he will work with Westinghouse, Ameren and municipal- and investor-owned electric service providers to secure a portion of $452 million in potential investment funds to support and design the commercialization of American-made Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) in Missouri. The DOE initiative provides a 50/50 cost sharing opportunity for design certification and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission combined construction and operating license. Applications are due May 21 with a DOE decision expected this summer. Those applying for the grants must include a plan to have a plant up and running by 2022.

“Missouri has a unique opportunity with this proposal to meet the energy needs of Missouri families for years to come and to potentially create thousands of new jobs, and I am looking forward to working with Westinghouse and all their state partners in their united approach to securing the DOE funding to take the next critical steps in the process of building a new state-of-the-art nuclear reactor in Missouri,” Luetkemeyer said. “The enhanced safety features and innovative design of this reactor, along with its energy-producing capabilities, makes this project an important part of our state’s long-term energy future.”

The SMR Program encourages U.S. industry to compete in the global marketplace by removing barriers to reactor development and to accelerate growth ahead of foreign competitors. Luetkemeyer said Westinghouse selected Missouri as a potential site because of the state’s experience and success with previous reactors, the cooperative effort among energy providers and the willingness of labor, suppliers and businesses to play a role in energy production over the years.

“Given the expertise and cooperative effort, I am confident that we’ll be able to make the case that Missouri is deserving of participating in the SMR program and providing a plan that will result in the construction of a cutting-edge reactor early in the next decade,” Luetkemeyer said.