Sens. Coons, McSally introduce bill to create apprentice program for nuclear power workers

A bill introduced in the U.S. Senate last week would create an apprenticeship program to educate the next generation of workers at nuclear power plants and support innovation in the industry.
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The Nuclear Energy Renewal Act – introduced by Sens. Martha McSally (R- AZ) and Chris Coons (D-DE) – addresses the shrinking nuclear energy workforce by creating an apprenticeship program to equip the next generation of workers with the skills necessary to work in this industry. It also directs the Energy Secretary to establish programs to bolster research and development and reduce the operation and maintenance costs of U.S. nuclear power plants.

“If we’re serious about reducing our carbon emissions, we need to get serious about nuclear energy,” McSally said. “Arizona’s Palo Verde nuclear plant is the largest in the United States and delivers a substantial amount of carbon-free energy to Americans across the region. A combination of fuels— including nuclear, renewable, and fossil— will ensure the U.S. can continue to lead the world in a true all-of-the-above energy strategy.”

The bill is designed to support innovation for existing nuclear reactor designs and the creation of advanced nuclear reactors. Coons said it is critical to foster the production of clean nuclear energy.

“Climate change poses an existential threat to our economy, our environment, and our national security,” Coons said. “To address this threat, we need an innovative strategy to reduce emissions and enhance our ability to generate clean and consistent power. In 2017, the U.S. nuclear power fleet produced enough emissions-free energy to prevent the release of 547 million metric tons of CO2 into our atmosphere. I’m proud that this legislation will allow the Department of Energy to provide nuclear power plants with the requisite tools and research to increase their cost-competitiveness and develop the new technologies they require to operate efficiently.”