Four senators have introduced bipartisan legislation to revitalise the US’s nuclear infrastructure in a move they say will enable leadership in the industry, preserve the nuclear fuel supply chain, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen the country’s economic, energy and national security.

The legislation, the American Nuclear Infrastructure Act of 2020, was introduced by the Republican John Barrasso and three Democrats, Sheldon Whitehouse , Mike Crapo and Cory Booker,

Mr Barrasso said the legislation will strengthen the US’s energy and national security. He said: “In the face of Russian and Chinese aggression, it’s critical we remain the world’s leading developer of nuclear energy technology.”

The bill supports the continued operation of the US’s existing reactors and sets the stage to deploy advanced nuclear technologies. It will also ensure that the fuel for nuclear plants comes from the US or its “trusted allies”.