Policy

Operating nuclear power plants emit no carbon dioxide or other air pollutants, which can lead to health issues and environmental damage. Nuclear power is the largest source of zero-emission electricity in America.

In the 1950s, America became the global leader in commercial nuclear energy, inventing breakthrough technology and setting international standards for safety, security and nonproliferation. Over the years, however, we’ve slowly but surely ceded that position to other nations, including some who could put world security interests at risk.

Nuclear power is critical to America’s energy independence. A robust nuclear fleet allows us a voice in security and nonproliferation discussions, while providing alternatives for global allies who want to invest in clean, reliable power – without ties to Russia or China.

In the 20^th century, America strategically committed itself to developing the world’s most advanced nuclear power enterprise. The objectives were to provide reliable, zero-emission electricity and position the U.S. as the nuclear technology leader.

Reliable, efficient and emission-free – nuclear energy will continue to be a critical component of our nation’s baseload power needs. Advanced nuclear technology tested at Idaho National Laboratory and around the country offers greater promise with increased efficiency, security and renewability, yet faces obstacles to reaching market scalability.

Our country, thanks to longtime Department of Defense leadership, led the development of nuclear power. Today, we are losing our leadership. Of the 50 nuclear reactors being built in the world, only one is in America. The leading exporters are China and Russia, who use nuclear power as a tool to tie countries to them.

Continued American leadership in global nuclear security matters is central to protecting our national security interests. In particular, U.S. leadership in nuclear technology and operations can strengthen our influence with respect to other countries’ nuclear programs and the evolution of the international nonproliferation regime, while also supporting competitiveness in a major export market.

Nuclear power is finally beginning to be sufficiently recognized as the workhorse of the global clean energy sector. But it won’t look like it does now if it is going to achieve its full potential in anchoring a global clean energy system.

Sens. Murkowski and Booker and seven bipartisan colleagues have introduced the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act, designed to help the U.S. resume its nuclear energy technology leadership role. Congress must recognize our leadership position in nuclear energy is being replaced by Russia and China, weakening our energy security, economic competitiveness and national security.

We’re already seeing the damages caused by our changing climate. While renewables are growing at a rapid pace, we need faster transitions to clean energy to avoid climate’s worst impacts.

A strong U.S. nuclear energy industry is fundamental to America’s national security. Our 98 nuclear plants are among the most robust elements of U.S. critical infrastructure. Nuclear energy also is by far our nation’s largest source (56%) of emission-free generation – important because the national security community identifies climate change as a security risk.

Nuclear power is an efficient and reliable source of zero-emission energy. It generates a meaningful portion of our country’s “always-on, baseload” electricity used in our homes and businesses.

As a member of the House Committees on Intelligence and Homeland Security, and as a former CIA officer, I understand the critical role that the U.S. nuclear energy industry plays in enabling our country to meet its national security objectives. Yet, the Center for Strategic & Industry Studies (CSIS) has reported that the nuclear industry is struggling to survive.

You reap what you sow. You’ve heard the expression before – you get what you give. It’s a sentiment that rings especially true when examining agriculture’s future. American farmers are aging out of farming, and younger generations don’t have the necessary tools to carry on the work.

Agriculture and food opportunities are secure, plentiful and lucrative. There’s a shortage of people seeking agriculture careers, due in part to a misunderstanding of careers that exist. Many believe food and ag careers are limited to field labor; however, the industry needs people in finance, technology, science, data analytics, sales and agronomy.

Because of my Jr. MANRRS membership, I’ve been exposed to the world of agriculture’s endless opportunities. MANRRS fostered my interest by providing the opportunity to network with people who work in the field of agriculture and to learn from their personal experiences.

America’s youth are needed in the agricultural industry now more than ever. By 2050, farmers across the globe will be responsible for providing food for over nine billion people, and we’ll need to nearly double food production. The next generation of Americans must be prepared to unlock new and unique ways to feed, fuel and clothe the world.

Have you seen an FFA member in a blue corduroy jacket lately? Look closely. Each of us wields the power to fuel, feed and clothe our future.

The average age of today’s farmer is 58. To keep American farms and ranches productive, we need to attract more young people into this challenging – but rewarding – field.

There is a tremendous need for young people to drive the economy, innovate and invest their energy to solve real-world issues. This is true across every industry – from business to fashion to agriculture.

Future Farmers of America – now called FFA – was founded in 1928. Congress recognized the importance of FFA as an integral part of vocational agriculture and in 1950, granted it a federal charter.

At MANRRS, we are changing the face of agriculture, natural resources and related sciences by supplying the industry with a diverse pool of talented leaders. We combine our passion for improving quality of life with new ideas and perspectives to enhance the world around us.

The average age of the American farmer is trending upward. Meanwhile, the need for a secure food supply intensifies each year.

America’s farmers are aging. For every farmer under 35, there are six over 65. Millions of acres need new farmers. Yet farmland is too expensive for young farmers. It’s why they can’t get started. It’s why they quit.

Developing a love for agriculture brought me the idea to tie my passion into a learning experience for others. Through 4-H, I started Woodard’s Workshops where I teach my peers about agriculture science, beekeeping and animal care. I started the program when I realized many people don’t understand the importance of agriculture in our society and to our economy.

At National FFA, the next generation is here. With 650,000+ members and growing, our students represent the future of agriculture. Our focus on innovation and our unrivaled experiential learning model make FFA the premier youth leadership development organization.

FFA – probably the most influential organization of my entire life. While I was still in grade school, my future FFA advisor, Dan Bock, came to visit me and my parents.

A new USDA study shows that for every dollar Americans spend on food, only 7.8 cents goes to farmers, their lowest share since 1993. Another important metric: For the first time, over half of all consumer food dollars are spent at restaurants.

The food and agriculture industry plays an essential role in our daily lives, economy and national security. Investing in agricultural research ensures we have the safest and highest quality of food that is grown in an environmentally and sustainable way.

Created in the 2014 Farm Bill, the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) builds unique public-private partnerships to support innovative science to address today’s food and agriculture challenges. To date, FFAR and its co-funders have invested $189 million.