Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to examine the latest developments in the nuclear energy sector. U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Committee, highlighted the importance of maintaining the United States’ position as a global leader in nuclear energy.

“Nuclear power provides about 10 percent of the world’s electricity and prevents approximately two gigatons of carbon from reaching our atmosphere every year. But about 789 million people around the world still live without electricity. Nuclear energy can be part of delivering that electricity to lift people out of poverty and provide the opportunities that many have become accustomed to. The Tennessee Valley Authority was created to do that very thing during the Great Depression. This is a model that can inform our efforts both domestically and abroad. Russia and China have made a strategic effort to supplant our nuclear leadership over recent years. We must push back. With the necessary policy and funding we can maintain our nuclear supply chain, create high-paying manufacturing jobs, and reassert that U.S. leadership,” Chairman Manchin said.

Chairman Manchin also highlighted how important nuclear energy is in providing reliable, affordable power, reducing global carbon emissions, and addressing climate change. Chairman Manchin then raised concerns about the decreasing size of our domestic nuclear power plant fleet and the recent increase in plant closures.

“Without new construction or the preservation of the existing nuclear fleet in the U.S., achieving a sustainable energy system will be more challenging and expensive... Every year in the U.S., nuclear-generated electricity prevents more than 506 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from entering our atmosphere. If we are serious about meeting our climate goals without sacrificing reliability, we must protect our existing fleet. Why then is the U.S. fleet decreasing and why are we taking them offline?” Chairman Manchin asked.

Opening Statement (video):