The most successful governors channel the considerable resources of state government toward a clear vision of what they want their state to be. Where possible, governors coordinate their actions with other like-minded state leaders, various regional entities and the federal government. But—as I’ve seen in my years working in state government—the best governors don’t wait for a green light to do what’s necessary to address specific imperatives and serve the people.
Against the challenging backdrop of flawed energy markets that don’t fully recognize the benefits that nuclear provides, governors and states have acted to preserve this clean energy resource.
That is the key takeaway from a new report from the National Governors Association (NGA). “State Policy Support for Nuclear Generation” documents the recent history of collaborative, state-level leadership from governors, state legislators, public service commissions and others to preserve their nuclear plants.
Congress, the administration and some of the larger regional transmission organizations have talked at length about the need for a clean, affordable, stable, resilient and around-the-clock electric system, but a significant number of high-performing nuclear plants are in jeopardy now and can’t wait any longer. So some states are leading the way in ensuring that the single electric generation technology that checks all the boxes stays on the job.
Nuclear energy protects the climate—and provides nearly 100,000 jobs—while powering our way of life. Ninety-eight nuclear power plants provide nearly 20 percent of America’s energy and more than 56 percent of its emissions-free electricity. But nuclear plants don’t just generate zero-emission power; they act as economic engines for the communities they serve. Across the nation, plants provide $2.2 billion in state tax revenues annually.
New York, Illinois, New Jersey and Connecticut have taken legislative and regulatory steps to allow nuclear plants to be eligible for the same types of support—credit programs and the like—that have bolstered other non-emitting technologies for years.
Each approach is a little different, tailored to suit each state’s unique pressing need. The result: nuclear plants in those four states have seen their operations extended for decades’ worth of additional service life. Other states with threatened clean energy nuclear assets, such as Pennsylvania and Ohio, are debating similar strategies right now.
NGA documents other state-level activities designed to preserve or expand nuclear generation, through tax policy, or including nuclear in the state energy plan or in a clean energy standard. All are useful ideas worth sharing with state policymakers and beyond.
With such fundamental, quality-of-life measures as air quality and 24/7 reliability in the balance, governors and states cannot afford to be patient in preserving their zero-emission nuclear plants. The NGA report illustrates the vision and determination of governors and others at the state level in ensuring their clean energy futures.
To governors fortunate enough to live in states that are hosts to nuclear power—the clean energy and jobs champion—and wish to keep it, have a look at NGA’s report and see what other states have been doing to protect the nation’s largest source of clean energy. There’s valuable guidance so you can take appropriate action to preserve your state’s energy diversity, environment and public health.
