WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10, 2021) – Nuclear Matters is pleased to welcome two new members to the Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council: Monica Beistline Block, incoming president of North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), and Jesús Nuñez, CEO of Nuclear Alternative Project (NAP).
These distinguished leaders of the industry join the Nuclear Matters coalition to help inform the public and policymakers about the importance of nuclear power by supporting solutions that properly value the nation’s largest source of carbon-free energy as reliable, affordable, and essential to our energy future.
“There has never been more bipartisan support for nuclear energy, but there is much work to be done to ensure nuclear power – a source of thousands of reliable, well-paying clean energy jobs – is well-positioned to continue to play a pivotal role in securing America’s clean energy and economic future,” says Block. “I’m looking forward to tapping into Nuclear Matters’ existing network of advocates while continuing to recruit new supporters, particularly younger professionals interested in utilizing industry innovations to address the climate crisis and support economic growth.”
“Working across the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico, I’ve seen firsthand how nuclear power can transform energy sectors and elevate the regions in which reactors operate,” says Jesús Nuñez. “Yet, the first step in implementing nuclear technology – particularly advanced nuclear innovations – requires community engagement and grassroots support. That’s why I look forward to continuing my advocacy for common-sense solutions and mobilizing communities to do the same.”
Monica Beistline Block brings with her a background in energy operations, engineering, project and work management, maintenance, communications, and chemistry, including expertise in environmental, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering and equipment. Prior to her current role at PECO, Block was a senior project management scheduler at Exelon Nuclear. She also has experience as a nuclear chemical systems engineer and equipment reliability improvement engineer with PSEG Nuclear. Leading up to her upcoming role as president of NAYGN, Block held titles including vice president, director of finance, and director of communications.
Jesús Nuñez is a certified structural engineer specializing in the design of steel and concrete structures, including chemical and nuclear plant design. As part of his role at NAP, Nuñez brings together Puerto Rican engineers from across the U.S. nuclear industry to study and educate audiences about the benefits of advanced reactors for Puerto Rico. As a result of NAP’s work, 90% of Puerto Rico’s population are open to study the alternative of nuclear energy in the island, debunking a decades-old myth that local communities oppose nuclear power.
Block and Nuñez join 16 other professionals and thought leaders on Nuclear Matter’s Advocacy Council, along with the coalition’s more than 600,000 grassroots advocates. A full list of Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council members can be found here.
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