The '80s

1980 Nuclear energy generates more electricity than oil does.

Oct. 8, 1981 President Ronald Reagan’s administration lifts the ban on reprocessing used nuclear fuel and announces a policy that anticipates the need for a high-level radioactive waste storage facility.

Jan. 7, 1983 President Reagan signs into law the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.

Oct. 26, 1983 Funding for the Clinch River Breeder Reactor project is killed by Congress.

1983 Nuclear energy generates more electricity than natural gas.

1984 The atom overtakes hydropower to become the second-largest source of electricity, after coal.

1985 The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations forms a national academy—the National Academy for Nuclear Training—to accredit every nuclear power plant’s training program.

1986 The Perry power plant in Ohio becomes the 100th U.S. nuclear power plant in operation.

1988 U.S. electricity demand is 50 percent higher than in 1973.

1989 America’s nuclear power plants provide 19 percent of the electricity used in the United States; 46 units have entered service during the decade.