Energy

Sept. 24 to Sept. 28 is National Clean Energy Week, a time to celebrate America’s energy sector by embracing clean and renewable power. That is why this edition offers a spotlight on nuclear energy – an important ingredient for a safe and responsible future.

The unconventional and energetic spirit that created the commercial nuclear energy industry will again transform our country. New, smaller and more efficient reactors are being developed to combat climate change and meet the energy demand.

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.

A strong nuclear energy industry is essential to America’s energy independence, our military and national security strength against new and old adversaries, and a practical path to combating climate change.

It’s appropriate that Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Power and their partners are moving forward with the Vogtle nuclear energy project. A diverse fuel mix is vital as electric co-ops work to meet 21^st-century energy needs and ensure continued access to affordable, reliable power.

Hurricane Harvey reminds us that extreme weather will become more common as the climate responds to massive carbon dioxide emissions. There’s an urgent need to reduce carbon emitting fuel sources. Nuclear energy produces no carbon emissions while providing almost 20% of U.S. electricity.

“Question: What do mitigating the global security challenges posed by climate change, the Nation’s nuclear navy, our role in worldwide nuclear non-proliferation, U.S. competitiveness in a global marketplace, and the security and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile have in common?

The U.S. should lead when it comes to maintaining safe, secure, reliable nuclear energy programs. Taking action to maintain current power plants, complete new plant construction, and further nuclear technology development can enhance power grid operations with a more reliable capability; shape global standards for safety and security operations, emergency response and nonproliferation; and prevent certain countries from aggressively leveraging influence as an energy supplier to fragile countries across the globe.

The geopolitical importance of nuclear power is multifaceted and underappreciated. Influence of international reactor sales; maintenance of a strong, innovative industrial and employee base; and low carbon attributes of nuclear power are assets for U.S. global policy making. Nuclear supplier-recipient relationships can last 100 years. Critical U.S. naval force projection vessels are dependent on nuclear power.

The nuclear power industry has come under sustained economic threat that undermines the dominant leadership position once held by the United States. Domestic nuclear infrastructure and the educational base that supports it directly contribute to our national security, especially in the field of nuclear weapons proliferation, and are increasingly left out of plans to expand the nation’s power base with a reliable and long-term clean energy source.

America invented commercial nuclear energy. The majority of power plants worldwide are based on American technologies. Our safety and nonproliferation approaches are the world’s standards.

Increasing lifespans, advancing knowledge and improving living standards requires resilient and affordable clean energy, including nuclear energy. Fortunately, public and policy opinions are evolving to recognize nuclear energy as a vital clean energy source. But for nuclear to be successful, it must create products for modern markets.

Our 99 nuclear reactors support a massive ecosystem that’s critical especially to national security.

Nuclear energy provides two-thirds of America’s zero-carbon electricity. It’s integral to our electric grid’s reliability and our national security.

Technology developers recognize an urgent need to commercialize innovative nuclear concepts to meet energy demands. The U.S. technology leadership role is essential to meeting the nation’s energy, environmental and national security needs; this role will be achieved by resolving technical, cost, proliferation resistance and security barriers through research and development.

An underlying premise to U.S. national security has been that America would maintain primacy in any science, engineering and technology that constitutes a threat to American interests – particularly nuclear.

A reporter once said to me, “Georgia’s Plant Vogtle is what’s left of the nuclear renaissance that never happened.” The world will soon look to nations like China and Russia for nuclear technology if the U.S. gives up. That in itself is good reason to persist and complete construction of Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

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