Next-generation nuclear reactors and the burgeoning industry surrounding them have big fans in the Senate, so it seems logical they’d get their own bipartisan caucus there.
That’s exactly what’s happening Thursday, as Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and are expected to announce the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, a group specifically dedicated to amplifying the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States and exploring emerging advanced nuclear reactors. The announcement was first shared with E&E News.
“America must maintain its leadership in nuclear energy development,” said Risch in a statement. “With Senator Warner, I am launching the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus to showcase the Gem State’s continued nuclear innovation and to expand opportunities for Congress to support nuclear research and development.”
The Biden administration has touted advanced reactors — small, factory-built reactors — as a possible lifeline for an aging nuclear industry and a crucial step toward cutting the nation’s planet-warming emissions.
