News

Nuclear Matters and its hundreds of thousands of supporters recognize the efforts of the “Green New Deal” to curb the devastating impacts of climate change.

2019 has just begun, but already is ripe with opportunities to advance the nuclear energy industry in America. With a new Congress, one of the youngest and most diverse ever seen, there’s much work to be done educating our leaders on the importance of nuclear energy for America.

"Climate change is a serious problem getting worse, and it’s going to take more than one approach to solve it." - CEO of RedSeal, Partner Emeritus at Venrock and Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council Member Ray Rothrock

The Union of Concerned Scientists released a new report, The Nuclear Power Dilemma, detailing the important role nuclear power plays in meeting our nation’s climate and clean air objectives and the economic challenges that are causing these sources of carbon-free power to close.

Regardless of your political affiliation, a look at the facts shows that nuclear power is critical to a clean energy future. When legislators do their part in preserving nuclear energy, clean, affordable baseload power becomes more accessible to the people who need it. Here are five reasons why you should care if your legislator supports nuclear power:

With kids heading back to school and political conversations buzzing in anticipation of November, ‘tis the season for a lesson in nuclear energy. So, we’ve developed study guides for all your conversations – both elementary and advanced. 

Denise Ingoe is an Exelon Generation Engineer, Women in Nuclear Representative, Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council Member and perhaps most importantly, a role model for women pursuing careers in nuclear energy and other STEM fields. In this video, Denise shares her story – her inspiration to get involved in nuclear energy, why she thinks advocacy is important and some words of wisdom for women in the industry. Check it out and share with a woman in STEM close to you!

As the last fireworks have faded from this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, we are presented with the perfect time to reflect on the holiday’s meaning beyond just one day. As a father and grandfather, it is a reminder of all the benefits our nation’s independence offers future generations—an independence that hinges on energy security. As an environmental engineering professor, I’m also struck by the relationships between our country’s freedom, national security and energy dominance, which, at its core, depends on nuclear energy.

Shanna Bobbins is a system engineer at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and a proud advocate for nuclear energy.

The Nuclear Matters team was on the ground for this year’s Nuclear Energy Assembly (NEA) in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was packed full of excitement and optimism, featuring prominent speakers and eager networkers, all gathered together with the mission of advancing nuclear energy as a reliable, valuable part of the country’s energy future. If you missed this year’s conference or just want to relive the action, here are five takeaways from NEA 2018:

Dr. Peter B. Lyons, Former Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner and Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy in the U.S., and Stan Wise, Former Chairman of the Georgia Public Service Commission, add their voices to Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council

Nuclear Matters applauds New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for signing important, bipartisan legislation that protects New Jersey’s clean energy future by creating a zero-emission certificate program for nuclear power plants, preserving the economic and environmental benefits of this vital energy source for years to come.

As mothers, we care deeply about our children’s futures. As environmentalists, we are fighting to ensure that our children live in a world that prioritizes their health and the environment. With Mother’s Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider the ways we can provide for our children – including protecting and preserving their planet.

Nuclear Matters welcomes findings of a new report by noted power markets expert Dr. Lawrence Makovich outlining how continued closures of nuclear facilities will lower consumer benefits, make the PJM electricity supply less resilient especially during extreme weather events, harm the environment and raise electricity costs

Nuclear Matters applauds the bipartisan passage of the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2018, H.R. 3053.

The value of cost-effective nuclear resources in the PJM power supply portfolio

A new report from The Brattle Group outlines the environmental and economic impacts of nuclear power facility closures in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Click here to read the report.

FirstEnergy’s announcement that they are planning to close the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station and Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio and the Beaver Valley Power Station in Pennsylvania should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers around the challenges facing nuclear plants across the country and the urgent need for solutions to ensure their continued operation.

The United States is a leader on innovation.  American innovators created technologies that have literally changed the world – the light bulb, the airplane, the integrated circuit, the digital computer, and the modern Internet.  As we celebrate Nuclear Innovation Week, it’s worth considering how nuclear fits into America’s proud history of innovation.

Nuclear Matters applauds Congress’s inclusion of tax provisions that will incentivize the advancement of nuclear energy in the United States.

Nuclear Matters is deeply disappointed that the New Jersey State Legislature failed to vote on S3560 and A5330. Nuclear energy is critical to New Jersey, especially during cold winter weather like the state is currently experiencing. The state’s three facilities provide more than 38 percent of New Jersey’s energy and more than 97 percent of its carbon-free energy.

Nuclear Matters applauds the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) for unanimously approving the continued construction at Plant Vogtle.

This report from IHS Markit assesses the impact of the premature retirement of the Salem and Hope Creek nuclear power plants on New Jersey consumers and the state economy.

Nuclear Matters applauds the Connecticut House of Representatives for taking action to pass SB-1501, which passed the State Senate last month. Its action was a vote to save well-paying jobs, local economic vitality and the environment by properly valuing nuclear energy as a zero-carbon electricity generating resource in the state.

Secretary Perry is to be commended for recognizing the urgent need for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address critical threats to our energy grid and acting to address them. Absent near-term action by policymakers, nuclear reactors are poised to close prematurely at an alarming rate. We also see that the core attributes of nuclear energy such as its resiliency and reliability are on display during extreme weather.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today’s announcement that Georgia Power will continue its construction of Vogtle 3 and 4 represents a significant step forward in reaffirming the long-term importance of nuclear energy in the United States.

Nuclear Matters today issued the following statement on the release of the electric grid study from the Department of Energy:

“Nuclear Matters commends the Department of Energy for releasing its grid study which confirms the importance of nuclear energy. Baseload nuclear energy makes the grid more diverse, more resilient and protects the environment. We urge state and federal authorities to act quickly and adhere to the study’s recommendations to properly value the unique attributes and overall benefits that nuclear energy delivers to the nation. Preserving nuclear facilities is necessary to ensure that we have clean, reliable and resilient sources of electricity into the future.”

Washington, D.C. – April 21, 2017 – A new analysis of the economic and environmental impact of Ohio’s two nuclear plants shows that the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear facilities help keep energy prices low for Ohio consumers, who would pay $177 million more annually for electricity and $1.3 billion over the next ten years without these two plants. In addition, the facilities add more than $510 million to the state’s gross domestic product and contribute $23 million in state and local tax revenues annually...

A new report from The Brattle Group details the significant economic and environmental benefits of nuclear power plants in Ohio. 

Washington, D.C. – March 1, 2017 – Nuclear Matters today issued the following statement on the return to service of the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Scriba, New York, following its planned refueling outage:

“With the return to service of the FitzPatrick nuclear plant following its planned refueling outage, New York is once again reminded of the many economic, environmental, and community benefits provided by the continued operation of our nuclear power plants.  New York’s nuclear plants provide 32 percent of the state’s electricity – and roughly 60 percent of its carbon-free generation – and are vital contributors to the baseload power generation of the state, providing affordable, reliable electricity to consumers...

Washington, D.C. – December 15, 2016 – Nuclear Matters today issued the following statement on the New York Public Service Commission’s decision to affirm the Clean Energy Standard (CES) and close out the regulatory process.

“In moving forward with the CES and dispelling the objections that have been raised against it, the New York PSC continues to make headway on a critical, bold policy that will prevent the closure of at-risk nuclear plants and preserve their many benefits for all New Yorkers.  This groundbreaking policy, spearheaded by the leadership of Governor Cuomo and the PSC, has made New York a trailblazer w

Washington, D.C.– December 1, 2016 – Nuclear Matters today issued the following statement on the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of the Future Energy Jobs Bill:

“The passage of the Future Energy Jobs Bill is a major step forward for Illinois.  By voting in favor of this important legislation, the Illinois General Assembly has demonstrated commendable foresight in terms of protecting valuable environmental and economic benefits for the state’s residents....

For several years, multiple coalitions have advocated in support of the nuclear energy industry. The individuals who have joined Nuclear Matters, CASEnergy Coalition and the Nuclear Advocacy Network represent a diverse group of supporters from labor and business groups to environmental groups to local community members and nuclear industry employees. These supporters have provided important voices in the dialogue about the critical benefits of nuclear energy building a carbon-free energy future.

Washington, D.C. – November 17, 2016 – Nuclear Matters issued the following statement on the announcement today regarding the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing on the transfer of the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Scriba, New York to Exelon Corporation from Entergy Corporation:

Washington, D.C. – November 17, 2016 – Nuclear Matters issued the following statement on the announcement today regarding the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) hearing on the transfer of the James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Scriba, New York to Exelon Corporation from Entergy Corporation:

“With a number of nuclear energy plants across the country at-risk for premature closure – or having closed already – New York is a bright spot on the map when it comes to recognizing and preserving the many benefits that these plants provide...

October 19, 2016 – The lawsuit brought today by select generators attacking the inclusion of nuclear in the Clean Energy Standard (CES) ignores the demonstrable benefits of nuclear and its importance to our economy, environment, and electric grid...

Washington, D.C. (September 23, 2016) – Nuclear energy plants in the United States collectively prevent more than 531 million tons of CO2 emissions per year – worth $85 billion by 2020, based on the federal government’s guidelines for the social cost of carbon – according to a new study that takes the most comprehensive look to date at the carbon value of nuclear...

Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2016) – Former Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH) told a Senate committee today that shutting down safe, reliable nuclear plants because markets haven’t found a way to compensate their value means that hundreds of people lose good-paying jobs, while local businesses lose customers. Sen. Gregg appeared before the Senate Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development to discuss the environmental benefits of U.S. nuclear power plants.  The hearing, entitled “The Future of Nuclear Power,” also featured testimony from Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz as well as Jay Faison, Founder and CEO of The ClearPath Foundation...

The Horinko Group takes a comprehensive look at the value of the nuclear energy industry from an environmental standpoint to determine contributions of U.S. nuclear plants. 

Critics argue there is little value in protecting a “dying” part of the power portfolio. They are misguided. Put aside the financial difficulties facing FirstEnergy. Keeping Davis-Besse in operation makes sense here just as it does in New York...

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Washington, D.C. (August 9, 2016) - Nuclear Matters issued the following statement on the announcement today that Exelon Generation has agreed to assume ownership and operations of Entergy Corporation's James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Scriba, New York.

"Today's news is a welcome testament to the real results that effective public policy can help drive.  Thanks to the leadership of Governor Andrew Cuomo in working with New York's Public Service Commission (PSC) to enact a Clean Energy Standard (CES)...

The New York Public Service Commission, which approved the CES, described it as a “public necessity” that would benefit the state’s grid, its customers and the environment...

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Washington, D.C. (August 9, 2016) - Nuclear Matters issued the following statement on the announcement today that Exelon Generation has agreed to assume ownership and operations of Entergy Corporation's James A. FitzPatrick nuclear power plant in Scriba, New York...

New York’s new policy “can set the standard” for other states looking for “a comprehensive approach” to lowering carbon emissions, Browner said Monday, following the breakthrough in the Empire State...

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Washington, D.C.(August 1, 2016) – Today, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) voted on a provision within the Clean Energy Standard (CES) that would value the emission-free energy that New York’s nuclear energy plants provide in recognition of the fact that these facilities are a critical bridge to meeting the state's goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent and generate half of New York's electricity from renewable sources by 2030...

For Millstone, the precise implications of cheap natural gas and the strong competition it has created are not known. But even the suggestion of a hypothetical shutdown should be taken seriously: Millstone is an important regional employer, and electric rates would likely shoot up if it were to close. The plant generates about 2,000 megawatts of power, enough for about half of Connecticut’s needs.

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Announcement around Potential Sale of Entergy's James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant to Exelon Increases Need to Properly Value Nuclear for its Carbon-free Attributes via the CES...

Nuclear plants around the country have closed or have been earmarked for closing in recent years as they become prohibitively costly to run. Vermont Yankee, closed in 2014, and Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Massachusetts, set to close in 2019, are the most recent examples in New England.

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These productive nuclear plants are not closing because they’re old or unsafe, but rather for economic reasons. If we don’t act, and nuclear plants continue to close...

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 America’s nuclear energy plants are a vital asset providing reliable, carbon-free electricity to tens of millions of households and businesses across the country. Nuclear energy plants supply nearly 20 percent of America’s electricity—and 63 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity...

Some of the nation’s most influential environmental groups are softening their longstanding opposition to nuclear power, marking a significant shift in the antinuclear movement as environmentalists’ priority shifts to climate change...

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Pennsylvania should take a leadership role in ensuring the nation's existing nuclear power plants keep operating to help achieve our environmental goals.

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Nuclear power has been a major achievement of American technology. It has been used, with extraordinary results, to boost productivity and improve the quality of life.

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The case for nuclear power rests on its unmatched capacity to provide energy that is dependable, affordable and, above all, clean.

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If there is one thing that seems certain about meeting the nation's clean air goals, it is that shutting down nuclear power plants...

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Whether you are concerned about the long-term health of our planet, the quality of the air we breathe every day, or both, nuclear energy is a major piece in a comprehensive solution.

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Nuclear plants have closed elsewhere in the U.S., leaving devastated communities in their wake. We must not become another one.

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"We've lived here all our lives; we know what this plant means to our communities," Duncan, 30, said. "When we were young there were four or five good places to wor...

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According to Stoermer, the goal is to keep the reactor online as much as possible and the outages as short as possible. The Cordova plant runs at about 95 percent capacity, meaning it is producing electricity 95 percent of the time.

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WASHINGTON, DC (June 2, 2016) – Nuclear Matters co-chair, former Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), issued the following statement on Exelon’s announcement today that the company plans to move forward with the premature shutdown of the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants, given the lack of progress on Illinois energy legislation...

A growing number of prominent environmentalists and scientists, including those who vehemently opposed nuclear power in the past, are supporting New York’s nuclear plants. The reason is simple: climate change is a top issue, and New York state cannot meet its energy needs and greenhouse gas reduction targets without these plants

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The Illinois General Assembly faces a critical decision – namely, whether it decides to take up and pass a piece of legislation, the Next Generation Energy Plan, which would create strong tailwinds for the state’s economy while also saving good jobs and ...

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Hopefully, last week’s DOE summit helps add to the growing chorus of voices that are recognizing that if we are serious about...

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Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz told the summit nuclear must remain a viable part of US electricity generation, especially if the emissions reduction goals of the Environmental Protection Agency's ...

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Nationally, according to a report produced by the Brattle Group in 2015, America’s existing nuclear energy plants prevent more than half a billion tons of carbon emissions a year. Nuclear also accounts for 63 percent of America’s total carbon-free energy supply.

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During my time with the EPA, I confronted similar environmental challenges by creating new solutions and tools to address them and giving stakeholders the flexibility needed to develop and implement those solutions. Taking action to value existing nuclear for its environmental benefits, which until now has been unprecedented, can impact the energy policy discussion and outlook for decades to come. This is a worthwhile cause that Illinois stakeholders should consider, not only for the sake of cleaner air, but for the potential to achieve meaningful change in the way we value our carbon-free energy resources.

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Michigan is home to three nuclear plants and four nuclear reactors. These facilities are economic drivers for the regions and communities they serve. According to a recent study by The Brattle Group, Michigan’s nuclear fleet accounts for 3,200 in-state, full-time jobs, contributes $596 million to state gross domestic product and provides $89 million in federal and $23 million in state taxes each year. These numbers are significant and illustrate the vital economic support existing nuclear facilities bring to Michigan families and businesses.

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May 20, 2016  ·  Rebecca Kern, Bloomberg BNA

“The importance to incentivizing continued operation [of nuclear plants], I think, is very clear, but the solutions are less clear,” Moniz said at a May 19 Energy Department summit in Washington titled “Improving the Economics of America's Nuclear Power Plants.” The conference featured presentations by members of the nuclear industry, lawmakers and officials from the DOE and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

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Jobs, national security and climate change were all part of an urgent appeal at an emotional summit yesterday on Capitol Hill to keep America's nuclear fleet running. "We are supposed to be adding zero carbon sources, not subtracting or simply replacing by building to just kind of tread water," said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.

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Washington, D.C. (May 19, 2016) – Nuclear Matters co-chair, former Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), issued the following statement on the Department of Energy Summit on Improving the Economics of America’s Nuclear Power Plants held today in Washington, D.C.

Without passage of this plan, Illinois stands to lose these valuable sources of reliable, carbon-free energy, as well as the significant economic and job contributions these plants provide for the state...

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Given the broad benefits of nuclear energy plants - and the fact that they are safe sources of reliable, carbon-free electricity - it is imperative that policymakers

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New York's nuclear fleet provides nearly a third of our electricity and nearly 60 percent of our carbon-free power....

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Loss of Major Sources of Reliable, Carbon-Free Electricity Would Hamstring Efforts to Reduce Emissions, Negatively Impact Local Communities

CHICAGO, Illinois (May 6, 2016) - Nuclear Matters co-chair, former Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), issued the following statement on the potential closure of the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear plants in Illinois, owned by Exelon Corporation. Exelon announced...

The best way to protect the electricity supply of Connecticut’s homes and businesses is to pursue an all-of-the-above energy ...

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As we work to achieve the dual goals of a cleaner environment and greater economic opportunity in the state of Connecticut,...

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“There are nearly 700 jobs at the Clinton Power Station and the median salary is about $90,000, and so those are good jobs...

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Unlike wind and solar power, which impose challenging requirements on the electrical grid because of their...

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Nuclear energy plants in Georgia and throughout the U.S. provide an astounding level of economic value to the country and truly...

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In Pennsylvania, the nine nuclear power units safely generate 35.5 percent of our electricity (wind 1.7 percent, solar 0.0002 percent)...

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This high level of favorability to nuclear energy is a result of the awareness gained from living in the vicinity of a nuclear power ...

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If ever there was a question about how serious the consequences are from shutting down a nuclear power plant, it was dispelled ...

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On the heels of Earth Day, obtaining a more green energy future is no longer a minority goal: these days, almost everyone is 

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We just got back from New York City, where Nuclear Matters hosted an event at Bloomberg’s Future of Energy Summit to discuss the value of our nuclear energy plants. Leadership Council member Carol Browner - the US' longest-serving EPA Administrator - was joined by the Nuclear Energy Institute’s Maria Korsnick, Former NRC Commissioner Jeffrey Merrifield and NuScale Power’s Jay Surina in presenting to the packed room...

Apr 14, 2016  ·  Frank Fraley, Rockland County Times

We need Indian Point to continue operating to fight against climate change, to keep today’s air as clean as possible, and as a bridge to a clean energy future.

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Al igual que otras plantas nucleares del país, la planta de Turkey Point da empleo a cientos de residentes locales altamente ...

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If the Millstone Power Station in Waterford shut down, more than a thousand jobs in southeastern Connecticut would be lost and ...

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Here is a novel idea. Let’s ask the presidential campaigns in both parties to try to find some common ground. A place to start would be with something that will help our nation’s economy and improve our competitiveness.

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There's been a lot of discussion about the safety of Turkey Point nuclear energy facility recently. As a neighbor of Turkey Point, I believe we should all take an interest in the safety of nuclear energy facilities. However, as a former administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency, I know these discussions can be complex and sometimes based on misinformation.

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As Ohio continues to work towards a more prosperous future, we must remember the importance of preserving the sources of ...

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Last week, Nuclear Matters’ Co-Chair Sen. Judd Gregg traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts to attend the MIT Energy Conference. Here are 4 things we learned from his remarks:...

The critics are wrong.

America is facing critical decisions as a country about how to combat climate change, and it’s imperative that those decisions are...

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Leadership Council member David Wright traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to join one of our first Partners, U.S. Women in Nuclear, for their Region II Conference. ...

Earlier this month, leaders from academia and the energy industry met at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania ...

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Platts recently put on another successful conference regarding nuclear energy, by bringing together leading operators...

With the primary season for the 2016 Presidential race well under way, Nuclear Matters went on the road to South Carolina ahead of the state’s primaries. The campaign sponsored an event hosted by POLITICO at the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. The event brought 2016 presidential campaign energy advisors together with members of...

Nuclear Matters co-hosted a conversation with Wharton’s Institute for Global Environmental Leadership (IGEL) on the role of nuclear energy in a carbon-free future...

Charleston, S.C. (Feb. 11, 2015) –Nuclear Matters today sponsored an event hosted by POLITICO in Charleston, South Carolina, featuring a discussion of energy and the election.  The event brought together POLITICO’s South Carolina Caucus members for a deep-dive discussion around the energy policy issues facing the next president...

Nuclear Matters was excited to join last week's “Advanced Nuclear Summit and Showcase,” hosted by Third Way in Washington, DC. Opening remarks from Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) were bookended by closing statements from Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) that convincingly demonstrated bipartisan support for nuclear and nuclear innovation in the United States...

The hurdles faced by nuclear power in this country include the complicated and sometimes arbitrary regulations and financial ..

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Now Browner has joined the Nuclear Matters' Leadership Council, which seeks to make sure America's 99 operating nuclear power...

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Washington, D.C. (Jan. 26, 2016) — Nuclear Matters today issued the following statement on the New York Public Service Commission’s (PSC) decision to move towards the adoption of a Clean Energy Standard (CES) which would include non-emitting 

If Gov. Cuomo is serious about achieving his ambitious clean energy goals, the path forward is clear: the state must stop opposing license renewal for Indian Point. Such a positive move could ripple across the state with great results.

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Market reform is needed to ensure that the environmental and economic benefits of nuclear power are not taken for granted and ...

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“We strongly support the recognition by Governor Cuomo that New York’s existing nuclear energy plants must be a component of the state’s clean energy strategy, and his intent to develop market mechanisms to provide financial support for clean, safe ...

WASHINGTON, D.C. (JANUARY 12, 2016)– Nuclear Matters co-chair, former Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), today issued the following statement on President Obama’s State of The Union address:

“In President Obama’s last State of the Union address, he reinforced the importance of cutting carbon emissions to combat...

We’re excited to kick off the new year with not only a new website, but also a new campaign video.

The world must use all low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear energy, if it is to limit climate change while still meeting development goals.

The Brattle Group has determined that nuclear plants operating in New York contribute approximately $2.47 billion to state gross domestic product (GDP) ($3.77 billion in gross output), account for 18,000 in-state full time jobs (direct and secondary), help keep electricity prices low, are responsible for $113 million in net state tax revenues and avoid 26 million tons of CO2 emissions annually.

The Brattle Group has determined that nuclear plants operating in Pennsylvania contribute approximately $2.36 billion to state gross domestic product (GDP) ($3.56 billion in gross output), account for 15,600 in-state full time jobs (direct and secondary), help keep electricity prices low, and are responsible for $81 million in net state tax revenues annually.

The Brattle Group has determined that nuclear plants operating in Michigan contribute approximately $596 million to state gross domestic product (GDP) ($842 million in gross output), account for 3,200 in-state full time jobs (direct and secondary), help keep electricity prices low, and are responsible for $23 million in net state tax revenues annually.

The Brattle Group has determined that Calvert Cliffs, the only nuclear plant in Maryland, contributes approximately $397 million to state gross domestic product (GDP) ($536 million in gross output), accounts for about 2,300 in-state full time jobs (direct and secondary), helps keep electricity prices low, and is responsible for nearly $15 million in net state tax revenues annually. Updated September 2015.

Nuclear power provides electricity for one in five homes in the U.S. But this zero-emissions power source faces extreme economic challenges led by badly designed energy markets that are leading to the premature closure of reactors. 

Nuclear power currently accounts for 19% of U.S. power production, but several factors are at play that may threaten some nuclear generators and could diminish the nuclear industry’s contribution to our electricity supply and the U.S. economy. 

The Brattle Group has determined that the nuclear plants operating in Ohio contribute approximately $521 million to state gross domestic product (GDP) ($786 million in gross output), account for 3,600 in-state full time jobs (direct and secondary), help keep electricity prices low, and are responsible for almost $17 million in net state tax revenues annually.

Every year, FPL’s nuclear operations generate a combined $1.2 billion of economic activity in the counties around the Turkey Point and St. Lucie plants and an additional $200 million in economic activity for a statewide impact of $1.4 billion and $2.5 billion of economic activity across the United States. 

The six nuclear facilities generate about 48 percent of Illinois’ electricity and about 90 percent of the state’s carbon-free electricity. 

Existing nuclear energy plants, which provide one-fifth of the country’s electricity and are part of our diverse energy mix, help lower the cost of generating electricity for consumers by more than $93 billion a year.

Preserving the existing U.S. nuclear reactor fleet for as long as possible is a critical element in the transition to a low-carbon future.

It is increasingly likely that the United States could see a significant percentage of its nuclear power plants close, thanks to low natural gas prices and ongoing subsidies for renewable energy.

In this paper we use publicly available micro-data from a variety of sources to examine the impact of the closure on market outcomes.

Today’s nuclear energy technologies offer our nation a resource that can safely provide around-the-clock energy at affordable prices while minimizing emissions.