Murkowski and Cantwell address hurdles to nuclear energy development

During a hearing held on Tuesday by the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Power and Energy, U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) addressed how to overcome hurdles to nuclear energy development.

“We are entering a new era for nuclear power,” Murkowski said. “The opportunity for innovation in nuclear technologies has not been this great since the 1960s. I believe that removing bureaucratic barriers to public-private partnerships, reforming the licensing structure, and continuing responsible funding for nuclear science RD&D will help drive these innovative technologies to revolutionize the industry and provide robust economic growth.”

Nuclear energy provides approximately 20 percent of the nation’s electricity and 63 percent of all clean energy. Both Murkowski and Cantwell argued that nuclear energy must remain an important part of the U.S energy portfolio.

“If nuclear power is to have a future, the problems that have consistently plagued it in the past must be met with innovative and effective ideas,” Cantwell said. “New designs must be safer, cheaper, more efficient and proliferation-resistant. In addition, we must have a credible licensing and regulatory system, so that nuclear power is not only safe, but accepted by the public. So transparency and open communication by industry and government is also important.”