FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 10, 2026
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) today introduced the Accelerating Reliable Capacity (ARC) Act to accelerate investment in and encourage completion of new commercial nuclear reactors by minimizing the risk of project cost overruns.
“The U.S. must remain the undisputed global leader when it comes to nuclear energy. To do so, we need advanced reactors that can meet growing energy demand here at home and we can deliver to customers around the world,” said Risch. “The ARC Act will ensure continued U.S. leadership in nuclear energy by incentivizing best practices and mitigating the financial risks to get new nuclear reactors online.”
“With energy demand growing rapidly across the country, nuclear energy is key to increasing baseload energy cleanly and reliably. But getting new nuclear projects off the ground is a financial risk many companies simply can’t take,” said Gallego. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Senator Risch to reduce financial risk and accelerate investment in advanced nuclear – ensuring America remains a leader in innovation and new energy technology development.”
Building commercial nuclear reactor technologies for the first time creates significant financing uncertainties due to the risk of unforeseen delays and cost increases, deterring potential investors. The ARC Act establishes a risk reduction program for new reactors by establishing safeguards against unforeseen costs through enhanced financing terms and a limited federal cost share. The program would benefit three or more advanced nuclear energy projects to jumpstart commercialization.
Senator Risch is a long-time advocate for nuclear energy. He has spearheaded legislation to increase domestic energy production, enhance national security, and keep the United States at the forefront of nuclear advancement. He is the founder and co-chair of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, which amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the U.S. and explores emerging nuclear technologies.
The ARC Act is supported by ClearPath Action, the Nuclear Energy Institute, and the Nuclear Innovation Alliance.
“I want to thank Senators Risch and Gallego for their leadership on addressing barriers to advanced reactor deployment,” said John Wagner, Director of Idaho National Laboratory. “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.”
“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.” said Ted Geisler, President and CEO of Arizona Public Service. “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.”
Read the full text of the bill here.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
