Achieve Clean Energy Goals, Maintain the Nation’s Nuclear Fleet

Department of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm reiterated the administration’s commitment to nuclear power at a recent House of Representatives Appropriations subcommittee hearing. In response to a question from Rep. Cheri Bustos of Illinois, Granholm said the country’s 93 nuclear reactors account for 52 percent of carbon-free electricity generation.

“In Illinois, four [reactors] are scheduled to close. We are not going to be able to achieve our climate goals if our nuclear plants shut down. We have to find ways to keep them operating,” Granholm said, adding that President Biden’s American Jobs Plan establishes a clean energy standard that includes nuclear power as a key component.

In its 2022 spending plan, the Biden administration is also proposing up to $1 billion in tax credits to prevent the premature closure of nuclear plants



“During my visit to Vogtle this week, I had a great meeting with @IBEW Local 84 and Local 1579,” Baran tweeted. “I really appreciate hearing the perspectives of the operators, maintenance workers, electricians, and other @IBEW members working at the operating plant and construction site.”

Plant Vogtle is the nation’s only nuclear construction project and when it comes online, it will be home to one of the world’s most advanced reactors.