Owens Backs Resolution Expressing the Need for Congressional Support of Nuclear Energy

Washington, D.C. – This week, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04) co-sponsored a bipartisan resolution, led by Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19), expressing the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that the United States should support the expansion of domestic nuclear energy production and advanced nuclear technology as a viable source of power to reestablish energy independence.

“Not only is nuclear power a reliable and sustainable form of clean energy, but it is also critical to U.S. national security and benefits local services like the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems,” said Rep. Owens. “To be an energy-secure nation, America must immediately step-up efforts to expand nuclear energy and rebuild domestic independence.” 

“Nuclear energy creates less pollution, generates more energy, and is far more reliable and sustainable than any other source of energy,” said Rep. Donalds. “The United States must adapt to the changing times, modernize our energy infrastructure, and support the allocation of federal resources into the advancement and expansion of nuclear energy. The benefits of nuclear energy are countless, and this resolution signifies the bipartisan support in Congress to renovate our nation’s energy makeup and to restore America as an energy leader on the global stage.”

BACKGROUND:

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to the longevity of our national security and economy. America’s ninety-three commercial nuclear reactors produce enough electricity to power 75 million homes in a safer and less-expensive manner than other sources of alternative energy. 

Providing over 470,000 jobs—with three-fourths of nuclear employees being veterans—and annually contributing approximately $60 billion to U.S. GDP, nuclear energy has the potential to provide significant economic stimulus for American communities in need. Nuclear energy stops 470 million metric tons of carbon pollution from entering the atmosphere each year—which proves that expanding the utilization of nuclear energy can have widespread benefits for our economy and environment. With the proper policy, funding, and innovation in place, we can effectively maintain our nuclear supply chain, create long-lasting American jobs, and re-assert United States leadership across the globe while simultaneously eliminating our reliance on foreign energy sources. Adopting and embracing the usage of nuclear energy is the most cost-effective strategy to assure American energy independence and global leadership for generations to come.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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