Sen. Tim Scott introduces bill to drive nuclear investment and domestic infrastructure manufacturing
October 7, 2026
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the Opportunities for Nuclear Energy Investment Act, a bill aimed at stimulating private investment in new nuclear facilities and reshoring the manufacturing of critical power grid equipment.
The legislation focuses on strengthening domestic energy production and modernizing energy infrastructure. While previous tax policies—such as the Working Families Tax Cuts—offered bonus incentives for nuclear energy production, they omitted investments made into constructing new facilities. Senator Scott’s proposal expands the 10% bonus credit under Section 48E (48E) to cover nuclear facility construction and allows non-metropolitan areas to qualify. Under the bill, construction jobs created during the building phase would count toward the 0.17% employment threshold required to qualify as a “nuclear community”.
Additionally, the bill addresses severe supply chain bottlenecks by expanding the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit to include U.S.-manufactured distribution and large power transformers. These essential components currently face backlog delays of approximately two years.
“American energy dominance requires more nuclear facilities and a modernized energy grid,” said Sen. Scott. “The Opportunities for Nuclear Energy Investment Act would create jobs, strengthen American manufacturing, and unleash American energy by encouraging private investment in new nuclear facilities. Keeping production at current levels would leave our country dependent on foreign energy sources, but by expanding nuclear energy here at home, America can power our future and pave our own way forward.”
The legislation aligns with broader regional and national goals to expand nuclear capacity, particularly in South Carolina—a top producer of nuclear energy that houses the Catawba, Oconee, H.B. Robinson, and Virgil C. Summer nuclear facilities.
Ethel Bunch, founder of the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition, welcomed the bill’s focus on regional development. “The Palmetto Nuclear Coalition applauds Senator Scott’s leadership in advancing legislation to support investment in the next generation of nuclear energy,” said Bunch. “South Carolina has the workforce, infrastructure, and experience to lead this effort. Expanding energy community eligibility would help build on those strengths and attract new nuclear investment and jobs to our state. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Senator Scott’s office on this legislation and look forward to supporting its passage.”
Energy sector leadership also voiced support for the bill’s role in meeting long-term demand. Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Duke Energy Carolinas, highlighted the necessity of reliable nuclear generation. “Nuclear energy has helped power the Carolinas for generations,” said Ghartey-Tagoe. “As more families and businesses choose to call the Carolinas home, always-on nuclear energy remains an important option for meeting our region’s growing energy needs while helping keep costs as low as possible for customers. We applaud Senator Scott’s leadership on policies that support potential new nuclear projects and a strong nuclear energy future.”
The full text of the bill is available here.
