Diversifying and expanding Tennessee’s energy mix, which includes abundant clean energy resources, helps create jobs, support local businesses, and foster economic growth in our communities. I was grateful to hear Governor Bill Lee address the role of clean energy, especially the importance of nuclear power, in his State of the State address.
As Mayor of Anderson County, I am particularly proud of the fact that our region hosts a nuclear power sector that is home to both Anderson County’s Y-12 National Security Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which operates in neighboring Roane County. We are proud of our rich history of support. Both facilities are critical to our nation’s energy and national security and have helped advance nuclear power and a variety of other energy solutions to strengthen our national defense and domestic energy capabilities.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Nuclear power is playing an increasingly important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions emitted by other forms of energy production. While the United States leads the world in emissions reductions, reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with the energy sector by 15% since 2005, countries such as China continue to increase their emissions. Investing in and expanding nuclear capacity here at home will help America continue to lead in emissions reductions as we transition to a carbon-free energy future.
Importantly, nuclear power will help us continue to reduce carbon emissions without sacrificing energy reliability or affordability for Tennessee consumers and businesses. Indeed, nuclear energy, along with other clean energy resources such as wind and solar, and more traditional energy sources, plays a critical role in strengthening the resilience and reliability of the energy grid, and Tennessee They help keep the lights on and power flowing for people across the globe. Even in the face of extreme weather.
Nuclear sector creates reliable jobs for multiple generations
Expanding nuclear capacity in Tennessee and across the nation will not only solidify America’s role as a world leader in clean energy and emissions reductions, but also create 21st century jobs and a new economy in the growing clean energy sector. It will also help create opportunities. According to data from the Nuclear Energy Association, the nuclear sector directly or indirectly supports 475,000 jobs nationwide.
Given that nuclear power plants can operate for up to 80 years or more, these jobs could last generations for energy workers. In addition, supporting the growth of Tennessee’s nuclear sector will also help create new opportunities for companies upstream and downstream in the nuclear energy supply chain, supporting local businesses and industry and providing benefits to the state. It will also attract new companies.
Remarkably, the percentage of Americans who support nuclear power continues to grow, with a recent poll showing that a majority (57%) of both Democratic and Republican Americans support nuclear power generation in the United States. It turns out that he supports the expansion of nuclear power plants. This should come as no surprise to policymakers. That’s not surprising, especially given nuclear power’s role in providing low-cost, reliable, carbon-free electricity to American homes, businesses, and communities, while protecting the environment and strengthening the economy.
Governors play a critical role in leading this effort, and legislators and elected officials at all levels of government should continue to support increased investment in building, modernizing, and expanding nuclear power capacity. It is. Doing so will help build a stronger, cleaner, and economically vibrant future for Tennesseans and all Americans.
Terry Frank is the mayor of Anderson County.
