Nuclear Matters Newsletter

Nuclear Matters · NC, United States

2020 is here, and we’re ready for it.   We’re stretching our legs to prepare for the race to the polls in November 2020, and we hope you’re ready to join us. Amidst growing discussions around climate change, global leadership and the reliability of our energy infrastructure, it’s nuclear carbon-free energy’s time to shine. The nuclear industry saw many exciting developments in 2019, but also faced strong headwinds. This year, it’s more important than ever that we work together to advance smart clean energy policy and ensure our legislators fully understand what’s at stake if nuclear carbon-free energy is taken out of the picture. Let’s jump right into it. Here’s what you need to know: News You Need The good news: Historic Funding Approved for Nuclear Energy. Before the start of the new year, Congress approved $1.5 billion in appropriations for nuclear energy programs in 2020, a 12.5% increase from 2019. This budget increase reaffirms nuclear carbon-free energy’s role in reducing carbon emissions, and our government’s commitment to a reliable and clean energy system. A Promising Move for Existing Nuclear Plants. Last month, the NRC extended the operating licenses of two Turkey Point reactors from 60 to 80 years, ensuring that Florida will continue to reap the benefits of reliable, carbon-free energy for decades to come.  Tennessee Valley Authority SMR Development. TVA is the first utility in the U.S. to be granted an early site permit for the construction of small modular reactors near Oak Ridge, Tennessee – an exciting step forward in nuclear innovation. Advocacy Council Member Pete Lyons agrees. The bad news: FERC’s Decision on PJM. We’re sincerely disappointed in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) recent decision to make it more difficult and expensive for states in the PJM Interconnection market to pursue policies that support zero-carbon energy sources, like nuclear, wind, solar and other renewables. Get Carol Browner’s readout on the decision in the Chicago Tribune here. One Year After the Oyster Creek Shutdown. After New Jersey’s Oyster Creek nuclear plant closed in September 2018, carbon pollution in the region spiked by more than 3 million tons in just 12 months. Nuclear Matters Advocacy Council Member Carol Browner shares the devastating effects that this closure and others will have on our environmental progress. Nuclear Matters for America 2020 We’re voting for nuclear carbon-free energy in 2020. This week, the Democratic presidential candidates took to the debate stage once again to discuss their 2020 platforms. Among other top issues, climate change had its moment in the spotlight. But what was missing from that discussion? You guessed it. In the 150 minutes of airtime, nuclear energy wasn’t mentioned once. That doesn’t sit right with us. Click the link below to share how you feel with your legislators – and to remind them that nuclear energy needs to be a central part of any real discussion about combating climate change in 2020. Send your legislators an email with ONE CLICK. In Case You Missed It Washington Examiner | House Republican Proposes Using Tax Code to Combat Climate Change Greenfield Recorder | Author Shares Thoughts About ‘Bright Future’ of Nuclear Power MIT News | A New Way to Remove Contaminants From Nuclear Wastewater Nuclear Engineering International | IAEA’s Grossi Says Nuclear Vital to Achieving Climate Goals Chicago Tribune | Time to Come ‘Clean’ on Nuclear Power The Baltimore Sun | Maryland Gov. Hogan Promotes Energy Plan, Including Nuclear Power to Reach Goals for Renewable Sources Looking for more? Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.