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Since my speech at Harvard in 1997, I’ve spoken on many occasions about the importance of maintaining a strong viable nuclear energy option for our nation’s energy supply. Over the last few years, I worked to provide Congressional leadership on a broad suite of issues relating to the impact of nuclear technologies on mankind.

This Summit brings together many of the national and world leaders in this important area. I hope that your meeting here strengthens your resolve to bring the benefits of nuclear energy to bear on the world’s growing energy needs.

In 1997, it was a real challenge to find a headline talking about the future of nuclear energy. There was little optimism for re-licensing, and any talk about a new plant would have been dismissed as lunacy. We’ve come a long ways, to the point where the possibility of new construction in the U.S. is, I’m told, quite real.

Many factors contributed to this dramatic shift. Industry’s performance was vital. I think that Harvard speech helped. Congressional initiatives also helped and support in Congress is now much stronger. The President’s strong support for nuclear energy is a key development.

I think there’s a good consensus today that our nation and the world are facing immense shortfalls in energy, both in the short term and even more so in the long term. Today there’s real enthusiasm for expanded use of nuclear energy.

In my remarks today, first I’d like to discuss some of the areas that comprise my current legislative agenda for nuclear energy. Then I’ll close with a more detailed discussion of some of the key challenges facing the industry today.