Humbly, I think it was because it wanted to encourage the deployment of small modular reactors and help the industry develop them.
It was to encourage the development of small modular reactors regardless of the disadvantages. It's like a fad. People want small modular reactors, and they think they will generate profits. However, it would be more prudent to consider all the problems that come with them, because it is likely to be a big disappointment.