What’s New? A really big deal in the energy and environment D.C. scene. The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) released a report today acknowledging the impact that nuclear plant closures have on climate and air quality, and in it the organization advocated for policies such as those adopted in states like Illinois, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey in recent years to preserve well run, financially challenged nuclear plants. The report explicitly recognizes the need for nuclear power to play a substantial role in decarbonization efforts.
Fast Facts:
- Out of the 21 nuclear plants (16.3 GW) UCS identifies as “at-risk”, 5 have already announced retirement. They note that this involves 17 states where there are at-risk plants that likely will need some sort of policy to save them, and the at-risk retirements could go from 16.3 GW to 28.7 GW with lower natural gas prices.
- The report offers three key policy prescriptions for preserving at-risk plants: (1) a carbon tax; (2) a clean energy standard; and (3) a set of principles for state-based zero emission credit (ZEC) programs in the states.
- UCS’ commitment to nuclear safety is unwavering in this report. Policy remedies it advocates must be limited to plants operating at the highest levels of safety.
Why it Matters: This is a big deal for UCS and the climate community. Prior to this report, UCS had remained silent on any climate impacts associated with nuclear plant closures. With this report UCS recognizes the utility of a clean energy standard, as opposed to merely a renewable portfolio standard, and advocates that well-run nuclear plants receive credit for their low-emissions benefits through federal low-carbon policies or through state-based, ZEC style of programs that are already being deployed to help save plants.
What NEI’s President and CEO Maria Korsnick has to say about this report: “This is a forward leaning moment for an organization of significant influence in America’s climate and science community. There is increasing consensus across broad cross-sections of American political, environmental, security and energy experts that nuclear energy is critical to resilient, reliable and clean power. This UCS report is explicit in recognizing the scale of contributions nuclear power makes to mitigate against carbon and pollutants. It adds significantly to increasing momentum for recognizing the role nuclear plays in America’s clean energy future.
“Enacting technology-neutral policies and establishing programs that credit nuclear for its 24/7, clean and reliable attributes will ensure the viability and economic success of America’s largest source of clean energy. Industry experts have long warned of the severe consequences that plant closures would have on the environment. We join UCS in urging policymakers to take actions that will preserve the nuclear fleet and open doors for new nuclear construction and innovation in nuclear technology.”
The Big Picture: This report joins a notably growing chorus of key voices sounding the alarm that the loss of nuclear energy would make it far more challenging to constrain carbon emissions and protect our environment.
To speak with an available expert contact NEI’s media team at [email protected] or 202.739.8000.