allowing them to be assembled off-site and added to the grid on a “modular� basis. Unfortunately, the existing Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) process was designed for large central station plants and is not a good fit for these advanced reactors, in particular the small modular reactors. Changes to the NRC permitting process are needed, and legislation is likely to be required. The nuclear industry is optimistic that development of these technologies and an appropriate NRC permitting process can result in the production of emission-free nuclear power at a competitive cost.
THE FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER WILL DEPEND ON A COMBINATION OF FEDERAL,
President-elect Trump has promised to increase access to federal lands and waters for energy and mineral production. What regions of the country could see increased activity? KAREN: In general, most new oil production faces economic headwinds from low oil prices; however, the new administration will be unlikely to support a continued ban on drilling off the Atlantic and Arctic coasts, and lessen obstacles to drilling on federal lands on shore. At a minimum, administration support could lead to previously prohibited seismic geologic analysis that could clarify the potential for oil and gas production in these areas. The greatest immediate opportunity is for development on federal and tribal lands adjacent to areas with oil production on private lands, as once federal regulatory barriers are removed, the most important factors will be the economics associated with the development of the formation and the ability to use existing infrastructure.
REGIONAL, AND STATE POLICIES.
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