Nuclear Matters, a campaign aimed at engaging and educating policymakers and the public about the need to preserve existing nuclear energy plants, has officially launched.
Nuclear Matters is comprised of a cross-section of individuals, organizations, and businesses with similar views about nuclear energy. Former Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) serve as co-chairs of the campaign. The organization hopes that the discussions that arise will lay the groundwork for the kinds of public policies that take into account the full value of existing nuclear energy plants and the new reality in which they are operating.
The United States’ existing nuclear energy plants provide about one-fifth of the country’s energy supply, but many face economic challenges that threaten their continued operation — a perfect storm of economic challenges caused by a combination of factors, including unintended consequences of market structure and government policy and an influx of inexpensive natural gas.
Two nuclear plants have announced that they will shut down prematurely as a result of these conditions, which could drive additional closures.
“The existence of our nation’s nuclear fleet tends to be taken for granted, but the reality is that many of our existing nuclear plants are at risk of shutting down,” said Senator Bayh in a statement. “As America contemplates its energy future, we must change course to ensure that nuclear energy stays in the mix because it is critical to maintaining a diverse, reliable, and clean energy supply for our nation.”
Source: Fierce energy.com
