White House kicks up nuclear review

White House kicks up nuclear review

The White House is kicking into high gear a study Trump requested in June about the state of America's nuclear industry by hiring a new staffer to take a lead on it, Axios has learned.
Aaron Weston, whose LinkedIn profile says he has worked at the conservative think tank American Council on Capital Formation and for the House science committee, is in the process of getting a White House gig to work on the study, an administration official said.
Why it matters: Top Trump officials have spoken positively about nuclear power and the importance of ensuring it remains a viable and growing sector in the U.S., despite the economic headwinds hurting it. But to date the administration hasn't taken any specific steps to do so. This report is the first broad attempt at that.
Details: The review is expected to focus on the challenges facing the existing fleet of reactors, research and development policies, export markets, and fuel cycle issues. This will include looking at the controversial Yucca Mountain proposed repository site, according to the administration official.
Reality check: Trump's budget proposed to cut the Energy Department's nuclear office that pursues R&D. Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether the department will help Southern Company with its two reactors under construction (the first in the U.S. in 30 years) by upping the already unprecedented $8.3 billion loan guarantee. https://www.axios.com/generate-2480069194.html