The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), on behalf of the nuclear technologies industry, appreciates the opportunity to provide this testimony for the record on the role of nuclear energy in U.S. energy policy, on the value of our 103 operating nuclear power plants and on the strategic importance of building new nuclear power plants in the years ahead.

NEI is responsible for developing policy for the U.S. nuclear industry. Our organization’s 250 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 radiopharmaceuticals, universities, labor unions and law firms.

America’s 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. More than eight 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 Congress to maintain policies that ensure continued operation of our nation’s nuclear plants, and to provide the impetus required to expand emission-free nuclear energy as a vital part of our nation’s diverse energy mix.

NEI’s testimony for the record will address two major areas:

• The strategic value of America’s nuclear power plants as a source of safe, reliable, clean electricity at stable prices, and industry initiatives to ensure continued operation of today’s nuclear plants at sustained, high levels of performance, and to prepare for construction of new nuclear power plants.
• The critical importance of stable and efficient regulation of the industry in sustaining safe operation of today’s nuclear plant fleet and in building the investor confidence needed to support the next generation of nuclear power plants.