News & Events
Policymakers
“We have a new coalition that has come together believing this is in the best economic, security, health and environment interests of our country. Those groups range from the faith-based community, that sees this as a matter of earth stewardship and moral responsibility, to the nuclear industry, that knows that they are emissions-free and they believe they have a chance to be able to compete in China and India and elsewhere in energy production, to our utilities, that have supported this bill now from day one of our announcement.”
“The time is very right for having nuclear energy now. Something is happening. The situation is shifting from lots of political and social concerns to issues of financing. There is much more social acceptance.”
“Our country does need nuclear power. I like to tell people nuclear is a three-fer: it provides the reliable, base-load electricity our country demands; it will help us reach our goal of reducing carbon emissions, and it will strengthen our manufacturing bases and create good paying jobs.”
“With the new authority granted by the president's 2011 budget request, the Department of Energy will be able to support between six and nine new reactors.
What does all of this mean for the country? This investment will provide enough clean energy to power more than six million American homes. It will also create tens of thousands of jobs in the years ahead.”
Perhaps most importantly, investing in nuclear energy will position America to lead in a growing industry. World-wide electricity generation is projected to rise 77% by 2030. If we are serious about cutting carbon pollution then nuclear power must be part of the solution.”
"Now, I know it has long been assumed that those who champion the environment are opposed to nuclear power. But the fact is, even though we have not broken ground on a new nuclear power plant in nearly thirty years, nuclear energy remains our largest source of fuel that produces no carbon emissions. To meet our growing energy needs and prevent the worst consequences of climate change, we’ll need to increase our supply of nuclear power. It’s that simple. This one plant, for example, will cut carbon pollution by 16 million tons each year when compared to a similar coal plant. That’s like taking 3.5 million cars off the road.
—Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)
June 7, 2010
“The time is very right for having nuclear energy now. Something is happening. The situation is shifting from lots of political and social concerns to issues of financing. There is much more social acceptance.”
—Luis Echavarri
Director general, Nuclear Energy Agency
May 20, 2010
Director general, Nuclear Energy Agency
May 20, 2010
“Our country does need nuclear power. I like to tell people nuclear is a three-fer: it provides the reliable, base-load electricity our country demands; it will help us reach our goal of reducing carbon emissions, and it will strengthen our manufacturing bases and create good paying jobs.”
—Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio)
May 2010
May 2010
“With the new authority granted by the president's 2011 budget request, the Department of Energy will be able to support between six and nine new reactors.
What does all of this mean for the country? This investment will provide enough clean energy to power more than six million American homes. It will also create tens of thousands of jobs in the years ahead.”
Perhaps most importantly, investing in nuclear energy will position America to lead in a growing industry. World-wide electricity generation is projected to rise 77% by 2030. If we are serious about cutting carbon pollution then nuclear power must be part of the solution.”
—Energy Secretary Steven Chu
Wall Street Journal, March 3, 2010
Wall Street Journal, March 3, 2010
"Now, I know it has long been assumed that those who champion the environment are opposed to nuclear power. But the fact is, even though we have not broken ground on a new nuclear power plant in nearly thirty years, nuclear energy remains our largest source of fuel that produces no carbon emissions. To meet our growing energy needs and prevent the worst consequences of climate change, we’ll need to increase our supply of nuclear power. It’s that simple. This one plant, for example, will cut carbon pollution by 16 million tons each year when compared to a similar coal plant. That’s like taking 3.5 million cars off the road.
—President Barack Obama
Announcing the first loan guarantees at the
IBEW Local 26 Headquarters in Lanham, Md.
Feb. 16, 2010
Announcing the first loan guarantees at the
IBEW Local 26 Headquarters in Lanham, Md.
Feb. 16, 2010
"Enhancing America's nuclear capacity is a critical component of our strategy to develop clean alternative energies that create jobs and reduce our dependence on foreign oil."
“If you care about greenhouse gases, we've got to look at a safe and secure nuclear industry.”
“I've said that I'm a promoter of nuclear energy, something that, you know, I think over the last three decades has been subject to a lot of partisan wrangling and ideological wrangling. I don't think it makes sense. I think that that has to be part of our energy mix."
"Next, we need to encourage American innovation. Last year, we made the largest investment in basic research funding in history, an investment—an investment that could lead to the world's cheapest solar cells or treatment that kills cancer cells but leaves healthy ones untouched.
And no area is more ripe for such innovation than energy. You can see the results of last year's investments in clean energy in the North Carolina company that will create 1,200 jobs nationwide, helping to make advanced batteries, or in the California business that will put 1,000 people to work making solar panels.
But to create more of these clean-energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives, and that means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country.
It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development.
It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean-coal technologies.
And, yes, it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America."
—Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
In a statement at the IBEW Local 26
Headquarters in Lanham, Md.
Feb. 16, 2010
In a statement at the IBEW Local 26
Headquarters in Lanham, Md.
Feb. 16, 2010
“If you care about greenhouse gases, we've got to look at a safe and secure nuclear industry.”
—President Barack Obama
Feb. 4, 2010
Feb. 4, 2010
“I've said that I'm a promoter of nuclear energy, something that, you know, I think over the last three decades has been subject to a lot of partisan wrangling and ideological wrangling. I don't think it makes sense. I think that that has to be part of our energy mix."
—President Barack Obama
Jan. 29, 2010
Jan. 29, 2010
"Next, we need to encourage American innovation. Last year, we made the largest investment in basic research funding in history, an investment—an investment that could lead to the world's cheapest solar cells or treatment that kills cancer cells but leaves healthy ones untouched.
And no area is more ripe for such innovation than energy. You can see the results of last year's investments in clean energy in the North Carolina company that will create 1,200 jobs nationwide, helping to make advanced batteries, or in the California business that will put 1,000 people to work making solar panels.
But to create more of these clean-energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives, and that means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country.
It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development.
It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean-coal technologies.
And, yes, it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America."
—President Barack Obama
2010 State of the Union Address
Jan. 27, 2010
“Let there be no doubt. Let there be no mistake. Let there be no mischaracterization: I’m a strong advocate for the development of more nuclear energy in Arizona. Nuclear power is at the cornerstone of our clean-energy future.”
“The nuclear power industry represents American jobs—the best of American jobs that will never go overseas.”
—Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Dec. 10, 2009
“Nuclear power is going to be embraced in a way through this collaboration that’s never been embraced before. So to all those Americans who believe that nuclear power is part of the solution, we represent your best hope.”
“Numerous models and projections indicate that nuclear energy is an important and competitive part of our future energy mix, especially when there is a price on carbon dioxide emissions.”
"There's no reason why technologically we can't employ nuclear energy in a safe and effective way. Japan does it and France doe it and it doesn't have greenhouse gas emissions, so it would be stupid for us not to do that in a much more effective way."
2010 State of the Union Address
Jan. 27, 2010
“Let there be no doubt. Let there be no mistake. Let there be no mischaracterization: I’m a strong advocate for the development of more nuclear energy in Arizona. Nuclear power is at the cornerstone of our clean-energy future.”
—Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer
Jan. 5, 2010
Jan. 5, 2010
“The nuclear power industry represents American jobs—the best of American jobs that will never go overseas.”
—Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Dec. 10, 2009
“Nuclear power is going to be embraced in a way through this collaboration that’s never been embraced before. So to all those Americans who believe that nuclear power is part of the solution, we represent your best hope.”
—Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
Dec. 10, 2009
Dec. 10, 2009
“Numerous models and projections indicate that nuclear energy is an important and competitive part of our future energy mix, especially when there is a price on carbon dioxide emissions.”
—Sen. Jeff Bingaman
Before the American Nuclear Society
Nov. 16, 2009
Before the American Nuclear Society
Nov. 16, 2009
"There's no reason why technologically we can't employ nuclear energy in a safe and effective way. Japan does it and France doe it and it doesn't have greenhouse gas emissions, so it would be stupid for us not to do that in a much more effective way."
—President Barack Obama
At a town hall meeting in New Orleans
Oct. 15, 2009
“This administration is very committed to nuclear power. We want to invest in new types of nuclear plants to recapture U.S. leadership in this technology and to make it proliferation resistant.”
“While we invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we must also take advantage of nuclear power, our single largest contributor of emissions-free power. Nuclear power needs to be a core component of electricity generation if we are to meet our emission reduction targets. We need to jettison cumbersome regulations that have stalled the construction of nuclear plants in favor of a streamlined permit system that maintains vigorous safeguards while allowing utilities to secure financing for more plants. We must also do more to encourage serious investment in research and development to find solutions to our nuclear waste problem.”
"It's evident that PSEG Nuclear employees and management are working very hard to make sure that nuclear plants are among the nation's best run, with cutting edge safety and security systems in place."
—Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.)
After visiting PSEG Nuclear's Artificial Island plant
Sept. 4, 2009
—Southern Legislative Conference
On loan guarantees for new nuclear energy plants
Aug. 19, 2009
—Energy Secretary Steven Chu
To a Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee hearing
July 7, 2009
“As we look at the renewable energy alternatives that are discussed, I’m very concerned that one of the most obvious sources of solution is largely untreated in the legislation that we expect to see coming to us, and that is nuclear energy."
—Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
At a Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee hearing
July 7, 2009
"Nuclear energy is the best source that we have available to serve our energy needs while also curbing greenhouse gas emissions."
—Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio)
On the floor of the Senate
June 4, 2009
“The time to demonstrate our resolve for new nuclear energy development is now. We as a nation cannot afford additional delay if we’re truly serious about how we reduce our carbon emissions while maintaining access to affordable energy.”
"Conservation and nuclear power are the only real alternatives we have today to produce enough low-cost, reliable, clean energy to clean the air, deal with climate change and keep good jobs from going overseas."
“My message to you is a simple one: Nuclear energy is part of the solution. I say ‘part’ because there is no one single solution to America’s energy needs. I will keep arguing that nuclear power has a vital place in that mix, and that it deserves our government’s support.”
—House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
At the Nuclear Energy Assembly 2009
May 20, 2009
"All we have to do is to step up and make the case. I have been unabashed in my support for nuclear energy. That's about 54% of the energy we produce in this state. We don't consume all of that. We export some of it."
"We ought to go totally nuclear. We have the most modern and the safest technology the world knows. We ought to build a classic nuclear power plant here in Jackson County."
"The basic bargain is sound: Countries with nuclear weapons will move towards disarmament, countries without nuclear weapons will not acquire them, and all countries can access peaceful nuclear energy. ... We must harness the power of nuclear energy on behalf of our efforts to combat climate change, and to advance peace and opportunity for all people.
"Whether we like it or not, we will not meet the challenges of climate change without the far wider use of civil nuclear power, but we must invest in all sources of low-carbon energy, energy efficiency, renewables, carbon capture and storage and nuclear power."
At a town hall meeting in New Orleans
Oct. 15, 2009
“This administration is very committed to nuclear power. We want to invest in new types of nuclear plants to recapture U.S. leadership in this technology and to make it proliferation resistant.”
—Energy Secretary Steven Chu
Oct. 14, 2009
Oct. 14, 2009
“While we invest in renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we must also take advantage of nuclear power, our single largest contributor of emissions-free power. Nuclear power needs to be a core component of electricity generation if we are to meet our emission reduction targets. We need to jettison cumbersome regulations that have stalled the construction of nuclear plants in favor of a streamlined permit system that maintains vigorous safeguards while allowing utilities to secure financing for more plants. We must also do more to encourage serious investment in research and development to find solutions to our nuclear waste problem.”
—Sens. John Kerry and Lindsey Graham
New York Times, Oct. 10, 2009
New York Times, Oct. 10, 2009
"It's evident that PSEG Nuclear employees and management are working very hard to make sure that nuclear plants are among the nation's best run, with cutting edge safety and security systems in place."
—Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.)
After visiting PSEG Nuclear's Artificial Island plant
Sept. 4, 2009
“It is clear that if we want to respond to climate change, nuclear power has to be part of the solution.”
—Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.)
Aug. 24, 2009
“I believe that the only way we’re going to truly reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively is through nuclear power.”
—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
“This Week With George Stephanopoulos,” Aug. 23, 2009
“Many policymakers in the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference region … have put new nuclear plant construction at the forefront of their integrated climate stabilization, economic development and competitiveness, electric system reliability and energy security efforts. ... Lawmakers and public service commissions in a number of Southern states have approved construction work in progress and other similar cost recovery methods that will significantly lower a new nuclear project’s cost.”
—Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colo.)
Aug. 24, 2009
“I believe that the only way we’re going to truly reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively is through nuclear power.”
—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
“This Week With George Stephanopoulos,” Aug. 23, 2009
“Many policymakers in the 16-state Southern Legislative Conference region … have put new nuclear plant construction at the forefront of their integrated climate stabilization, economic development and competitiveness, electric system reliability and energy security efforts. ... Lawmakers and public service commissions in a number of Southern states have approved construction work in progress and other similar cost recovery methods that will significantly lower a new nuclear project’s cost.”
—Southern Legislative Conference
On loan guarantees for new nuclear energy plants
Aug. 19, 2009
“Cheap energy is essential to our economy, and we can get it without dirty water or dirty air. Nuclear is the only known renewable that has the capacity to provide us with the amount of energy we need. Solar and wind can provide only a fraction of that.”
—Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah)
Aug. 14, 2009
“In the opinion of these countries, nuclear energy can play an essential role as it meets the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering fossil fuel consumption.”
“I will work to forge an integrated approach to nuclear power. Much of my attention will be directed to helping deploy a new fleet of reactors quickly, economically and safely, generating much-needed carbon-free electricity.”
“Let’s take another long, hard look at nuclear power. Nuclear is already our best source for large amounts of cheap, reliable clean energy. It provides only 20 percent of our nation’s electricity but 70 percent of our carbon-free, pollution-free electricity. It is already far and away our best defense against global warming. So why not build 100 new nuclear power plants in 20 years?”
—Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
July 13, 2009
“Restarting the nuclear power industry is very important in our overall plan to reduce carbon emissions in this country. From me you are not going to get any reluctance. As you may know, I think that nuclear power is going to be a very important factor to getting us to a low-carbon future.”
—Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah)
Aug. 14, 2009
“In the opinion of these countries, nuclear energy can play an essential role as it meets the dual challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering fossil fuel consumption.”
—G8 leaders
Aug. 7, 2009
“Nuclear energy is a viable, clean alternative that can strengthen America’s energy infrastructure now.”Aug. 7, 2009
—Rep. Joe Pitts (R-Penn.)
Aug. 1, 2009
Aug. 1, 2009
“I will work to forge an integrated approach to nuclear power. Much of my attention will be directed to helping deploy a new fleet of reactors quickly, economically and safely, generating much-needed carbon-free electricity.”
—Warren “Pete” Miller Jr.
Assistant secretary for nuclear energy
Before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
July 28, 2009
Assistant secretary for nuclear energy
Before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
July 28, 2009
“Let’s take another long, hard look at nuclear power. Nuclear is already our best source for large amounts of cheap, reliable clean energy. It provides only 20 percent of our nation’s electricity but 70 percent of our carbon-free, pollution-free electricity. It is already far and away our best defense against global warming. So why not build 100 new nuclear power plants in 20 years?”
—Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
July 13, 2009
“Restarting the nuclear power industry is very important in our overall plan to reduce carbon emissions in this country. From me you are not going to get any reluctance. As you may know, I think that nuclear power is going to be a very important factor to getting us to a low-carbon future.”
—Energy Secretary Steven Chu
To a Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee hearing
July 7, 2009
“As we look at the renewable energy alternatives that are discussed, I’m very concerned that one of the most obvious sources of solution is largely untreated in the legislation that we expect to see coming to us, and that is nuclear energy."
—Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)
At a Senate Environment and
Public Works Committee hearing
July 7, 2009
"Nuclear energy is the best source that we have available to serve our energy needs while also curbing greenhouse gas emissions."
—Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio)
On the floor of the Senate
June 4, 2009
“The time to demonstrate our resolve for new nuclear energy development is now. We as a nation cannot afford additional delay if we’re truly serious about how we reduce our carbon emissions while maintaining access to affordable energy.”
—Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)
June 2009
June 2009
"Conservation and nuclear power are the only real alternatives we have today to produce enough low-cost, reliable, clean energy to clean the air, deal with climate change and keep good jobs from going overseas."
—Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
May 27, 2009
May 27, 2009
“My message to you is a simple one: Nuclear energy is part of the solution. I say ‘part’ because there is no one single solution to America’s energy needs. I will keep arguing that nuclear power has a vital place in that mix, and that it deserves our government’s support.”
—House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
At the Nuclear Energy Assembly 2009
May 20, 2009
"All we have to do is to step up and make the case. I have been unabashed in my support for nuclear energy. That's about 54% of the energy we produce in this state. We don't consume all of that. We export some of it."
—House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.)
April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009
"We ought to go totally nuclear. We have the most modern and the safest technology the world knows. We ought to build a classic nuclear power plant here in Jackson County."
—Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.)
April 15, 2009
April 15, 2009
"The basic bargain is sound: Countries with nuclear weapons will move towards disarmament, countries without nuclear weapons will not acquire them, and all countries can access peaceful nuclear energy. ... We must harness the power of nuclear energy on behalf of our efforts to combat climate change, and to advance peace and opportunity for all people.
"Whether we like it or not, we will not meet the challenges of climate change without the far wider use of civil nuclear power, but we must invest in all sources of low-carbon energy, energy efficiency, renewables, carbon capture and storage and nuclear power."
—U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown
March 17, 2009
March 17, 2009
