Amidst growing geopolitical challenges, the United States must prioritize its energy security and independence. Nuclear energy, despite its detractors, offers substantial benefits for the nation's economic and national well-being. Expanding nuclear power's contribution to the energy grid is crucial for America's future.
In the face of rising geopolitical challenges, America must reassess its energy resources and utilize every available tool to ensure the nation's prosperity. As a former Secretary of State and member of Congress, I have witnessed firsthand the paramount importance of energy security and independence.
Nuclear Energy: A Vital Component of America's Energy Security
The United States possesses abundant energy resources, which were fully utilized during the Trump administration. This advantage enabled stronger support for allies and negotiation with adversaries from a position of strength. Maintaining this advantage requires a diverse and reliable mix of energy sources.
While oil and natural gas expansion is critical, nuclear energy has received insufficient attention. Unlike green energy alternatives, nuclear is safe, reliable, and capable of producing clean energy around the clock.
Nuclear Energy: A Vital Component of America's Energy Security
Expanding nuclear power's contribution to the energy grid offers significant benefits. It provides more than 18% of our electricity and nearly half of all power from non-fossil fuel sources. Nuclear plants operate around the clock, unaffected by weather conditions, and produce energy over 90% of the time they operate. In contrast, green energy favorites like wind only produce 35% of the time.
Moreover, the nuclear industry employs nearly 100,000 Americans in high-skilled, well-paying jobs. American nuclear leadership is a vital component of global influence, allowing the United States to set international standards for safety and nonproliferation.
Nuclear Energy: A Vital Component of America's Energy Security
However, the United States has allowed its domestic nuclear industry to languish. Currently, a third of the enriched uranium used in American nuclear plants comes from Russia. The United States has nearly lost its capacity to produce the high-assay, low enrichment uranium (HALEU) needed for advanced nuclear reactor plants.
To compete with Russia and China, the United States must create a domestic environment where nuclear innovation can thrive. This includes cutting state and federal regulations around nuclear power, redirecting Biden-Harris tax credits toward nuclear energy, and limiting Russian-sourced enriched uranium.
Nuclear Energy: A Vital Component of America's Energy Security
Revitalizing nuclear power in America has clear national security implications. It delivers energy independence, ensures reliable power for military installations, and provides continuous power for domestic data centers. It also maintains America's nuclear deterrence, which is the foundation of its national defense strategy.
To put America First, we must abandon green energy policies that have contributed to inflation. Instead, we should ensure that our nuclear industry leads the world in innovation and efficiency for decades to come.
Nuclear Energy: A Vital Component of America's Energy Security
