Home > Issues & Policy

A Smarter Regulatory Approach

Handling regulation effectively requires efficient implementation to keep the focus on safety at nuclear energy facilities.

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Building New Reactors

Building new facilities supports economic growth, creates jobs, fosters energy diversity, and provides clean-air electricity.

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Managing Used Nuclear Fuel

The nuclear industry safely stores used fuel at its facilities and is working with the  government to develop an integrated program.

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Federal, State & Local Policy

Nuclear energy policy issues are debated and discussed every day in Washington, state capitals and local communities. Here you can find NEI’s Congressional Resource Guide which provides information and perspective on the most important federal nuclear energy issues. Also found here are key nuclear policy issues at the state and local level.

New Nuclear Energy Facilities

The U.S. Department of Energy projects that U.S. electricity demand will rise 28 percent by 2040. That means our nation will need hundreds of new power plants to provide electricity for our homes and continued economic growth. Maintaining nuclear energy's current 20 percent share of generation would require building one reactor every year starting in 2016, or 20 to 25 new units by 2040, based on DOE forecasts.

Exports & Trade

Worldwide, 70 new nuclear energy facilities are under construction, and an additional 160 are in the licensing and advanced planning stages. The demand for high-quality commodities, components and services provides an export opportunity for U.S. manufacturers.

Protecting the Environment

Nuclear energy is America’s largest source of clean-air, carbon-free electricity, producing no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. The industry’s commitment to the environment extends to protecting wildlife and their habitats.

Safety & Security

The nation’s nuclear power plants are among the safest and most secure industrial facilities in the United States. Multiple layers of physical security, together with high levels of operational performance, protect plant workers, the public and the environment.

Nuclear Waste Management

Like other industrial facilities, nuclear power plants produce necessary byproducts. These include used nuclear fuel and less radioactive material like filters, tools and protective clothing.

Economics
<p> The nuclear energy industry plays an important role in job creation and economic growth, providing both near-term and lasting employment and economic benefits. More than 100 reactors in the United States generate substantial domestic economic value in electricity sales and revenue—$40 billion to $50 billion each year—with more than 100,000 workers contributing to that production.</p>

Nuclear Fuel Supply

Uranium is one of the world’s most abundant metals and can provide fuel for the world’s commercial nuclear plants for generations to come. Higher uranium prices have prompted a re-examination of existing deposits and exploration for new ones.

Policy Resources

Explore congressional testimony from NEI, correspondence, resolutions and endorsements from elected officials, recent nuclear-related legislation and other documents.