A bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to align the licensing of uranium enrichment facilities with other fuel cycle facilities under that Act, and for other purposes.

On August 5, 2026, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced S5249, a bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 to align the licensing of uranium enrichment facilities with other fuel cycle facilities. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. It has one original cosponsor, Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), indicating bipartisan interest but early legislative momentum.

The bill does not authorize any specific funding; it is a regulatory reform measure. The mechanism is to reduce the distinct licensing requirements that currently apply to enrichment facilities, making the process consistent with other nuclear fuel cycle steps like conversion and fabrication. This would lower compliance costs and shorten approval timelines for enrichment projects.

The primary beneficiary is Centrus Energy ($LEU), the only U.S.-owned and operated uranium enrichment company. Centrus operates the American Centrifuge Plant in Ohio and has been pursuing licensing for higher enrichment levels (HALEU) for advanced reactors. Streamlined licensing directly reduces their regulatory burden and could accelerate their ability to expand capacity or license new facilities. Other nuclear fuel companies like Cameco ($CCJ) are primarily mining and conversion, not enrichment, so the impact is less direct.

The bill is in early stage: it must pass committee, receive a floor vote in the Senate, pass the House, and be signed by the President. Given the bipartisan cosponsorship and the strategic importance of domestic enrichment for energy security and advanced nuclear reactors, the bill has a reasonable chance of advancing, but it is too early to predict passage. Investors should monitor committee hearings and markup sessions.