Chairman Alexander, Ranking Member Graham and distinguished members of the subcommittee, I am Marvin Fertel, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer at the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). NEI appreciates the opportunity to provide this testimony for the record on the need for new nuclear power plants, and the issues that must be addressed before our nation can begin construction of the new nuclear plants needed to meet growing electricity demand in the years ahead.

NEI is responsible for developing policy for the U.S. nuclear industry. Our organization’s 270 member companies represent a broad spectrum of interests, including every U.S. energy company that operates a nuclear power plant. NEI’s membership also includes nuclear fuel cycle companies, suppliers, engineering and consulting firms, national research laboratories, manufacturers of radiopharma-ceuticals, universities, labor unions and law firms.

America’s 103 nuclear power plants are the most efficient and reliable in the world. Nuclear energy is the largest source of emission-free electricity in the United States and our nation’s second largest source of electricity after coal. Nuclear power plants in 31 states provide electricity for one of every five U.S. homes and businesses. Seven out of 10 Americans believe nuclear energy should play an important role in the country’s energy future. ¹

Given these facts and the strategic importance of nuclear energy to our nation’s energy security and economic growth, NEI encourages the Congress to adopt policies that foster continued expansion of emission-free nuclear energy as a vital part of our nation’s diverse energy mix.