nuclear-energy

Scott Anderson, a researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory’s Irradiated Materials Characterization Lab, works with materials in a “glovebox” as part of the lab’s research into how exposure to radiation alters reactor components. The lab’s research is aimed at understanding how materials and fuels respond to radiation, which is crucial data as licenses for existing nuclear reactors are extended. (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom)

With decarbonization, advocates see a bright future for nuclear after decades of dormancy

BY: - April 25, 2023

Among boosters across the country, expectations are high for new nuclear reactors.

Anti-nuclear activists cry foul over Exelon’s request to use TMI decommissioning dollars for waste storage

BY: - April 25, 2019

The owner of Three Mile Island in Dauphin County is asking the feds for permission to use a decommissioning nest egg to pay for keeping nuclear waste safe, drawing the ire of anti-nuclear activists. Exelon Corporation, a Chicago-based energy producer, has requested federal approval to use dollars set aside to help safely close TMI, just […]

Subsidies are in the spotlight as fossil fuel industries hammer proposed Pa. nuclear deal

BY: - April 16, 2019

Advocates for Pennsylvania’s influential natural gas and coal industries laid into the nuclear industry during a Monday hearing on Pennsylvania’s proposed nuclear deal that would treat the industry’s five plants like solar, wind, and other alternative energy producers. Speaking to the House Consumer Affairs Committee, Rachel Gleason — executive director of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance […]

Sen. Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster, testified before the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee.

A former governor supports a bill to aid Pa.’s nuclear industry, but a Senate committee isn’t so sure

BY: - April 10, 2019

Now that it’s been 15 years since he championed Pennsylvania’s clean energy law, Gov. Ed Rendell wishes he could go back in time and change a few things.

Former Gov. Tom Ridge backs deal to help state nuclear industry

BY: - April 8, 2019

At the first of four hearings on a bill written to aid the state’s nuclear power sector, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge told a state House panel Monday that he supports giving the industry a helping hand. Ridge, the nation’s first Homeland Security secretary, told the House Consumer Affairs Committee the choice facing lawmakers is […]

Why some environmental groups oppose a bill to help out low-carbon nuclear plants

BY: - April 5, 2019

After Sen. Ryan Aument revealed his version of a plan to prop up the state’s nuclear power plants on Wednesday, it didn’t take long for the criticism to start rolling in. “We don’t need to see the forthcoming bill to know that any proposed legislation would rob ratepayers, including Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, to support […]

COMMENTARY

Pa.’s nuke industry doesn’t want a bailout. It wants a handout | Opinion

BY: - April 5, 2019

By Michael Peters Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth are starting to receive direct mail and see headlines about the nuclear industry and its stated need for a bailout to keep its plants open. Bills in the state House and Senate would do just that. Let’s be clear: If state lawmakers go along with this, it won’t […]

Poll: Pennsylvania voters strongly support nuclear energy as Legislature debates bailout

BY: - March 28, 2019

Lawmakers may be skeptical about a plan to keep the state’s nuclear power plants afloat, but a new poll has found it has broad public support despite its anticipated cost to consumers.

COMMENTARY

Three Mile Island at 40: ‘We were told a nuclear accident was as likely as a meteor falling from the sky’

BY: - March 25, 2019

With the 40th anniversary this week of America's worst nuclear accident, survivors and experts discuss its legacy - and the ongoing public policy challenges it poses.

‘Bad public policy and an unfair burden:’ Electric utility PPL warns that nuke bailout will cost customers $130M a year

BY: - March 14, 2019

*This story was updated on Thursday afternoon with new comments from a PPL spokesman. The nuclear industry bill introduced in the Republican-controlled state House this week can count one more member on its long list of critics: Central Pennsylvania’s main power supplier. Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL), a utility company headquartered in Allentown, told customers […]

Rep. Thomas Mehaffie unveils his proposal for Pennsylvania's nuclear industry at an ironworkers' union hall in Harrisburg.

Consumers would foot the bill to prop up Pa.’s ailing nuke plants under state House proposal

BY: - March 11, 2019

LOWER PAXTON TOWNSHIP — Capping years of effort and millions of dollars in lobbying by the energy industry, a Pennsylvania lawmaker on Monday rolled out his plan to keep the state’s nuclear power plants open. Speaking from a union hall in suburban Harrisburg, Rep. Tom Mehaffie, R-Derry, unveiled House Bill 11, which would effectively require […]