Senator Ruben Gallego Advocates for the Future of Nuclear Energy Amid Political Resistance

Senator Ruben Gallego Advocates for the Future of Nuclear Energy Amid Political Resistance

In a recent visit to St. Johns, Arizona – a small town with a population of 3,417 – Senator Ruben Gallego highlighted the community’s potential role in driving the future of American energy. With critical investments, St. Johns could host one of the nation’s first small modular reactors, known as SMRs. These innovative power sources are poised to redefine nuclear technology, emphasizing safety, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

However, as the demand for energy security intensifies, Congress appears to be veering away from bipartisan advancements in nuclear power precisely when they are most essential.

Even during his administration, President Donald Trump endorsed a so-called nuclear “renaissance.” Yet, questions arise regarding why Republicans in Congress are currently promoting legislation that threatens to diminish support for the technologies the president champions.

Exploring the Advantages of Small Modular Reactors

Small modular reactors signify a major breakthrough in nuclear innovation. Unlike traditional large-scale power plants, SMRs are manufactured in factories, then transported and assembled on-site. This modular method reduces construction time and overall costs, making nuclear energy accessible in diverse locations, including areas previously reliant on coal-fired plants, such as St. Johns.

Robust safety features characterize SMRs. Designed to be built underground, these reactors significantly lower the risk of external threats and minimize the frequency of refueling, thereby reducing the handling and transportation of nuclear materials. Furthermore, SMRs can complement renewable energy sources, providing reliable backup power when solar or wind energy is unavailable.

These advantages have not gone unnoticed. The Department of Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency have acknowledged the potential of SMRs to transform the energy landscape.

Creating Sustainable Jobs for Workers

Investing in nuclear energy exceeds merely enhancing energy supply; it is about generating sustainable, well-paying jobs. A study conducted at the Coronado Generating Station in St. Johns revealed that converting coal plants to SMRs could preserve approximately 77% of existing jobs without necessitating additional licensing. Furthermore, this switch could create more than 650 new permanent jobs.

Among these opportunities are union jobs. A staggering 98% of existing nuclear positions are unionized, ensuring secure employment with high salaries, comprehensive health benefits, and generous retirement plans. This focus on quality careers supports communities that often feel left behind during the energy transition.

The potential for economic impact extends further. Additional research indicates that a single 100-megawatt SMR has the capability to generate up to 7,000 jobs, along with over $1 billion in economic activity. For former coal-dependent towns across the nation, SMRs may offer not just survival, but a pathway to revitalization.

Republican leaders in Congress have repeatedly emphasized the importance of not abandoning coal communities during the energy transition. Yet, a puzzling contradiction arises when they support agendas that effectively undermine SMR development.

Challenges Presented by Recent House Republican Proposals

Significant bipartisan progress on nuclear energy has occurred in recent years. The CHIPS and Science Act allocated $800 million for coal-to-nuclear projects, while the Inflation Reduction Act introduced tax credits for advanced nuclear technologies. Moreover, the ADVANCE Act, enacted last year, streamlined regulations for new reactors.

Despite these advancements, House Republicans are currently proposing funding cuts that threaten our hard-won momentum. Their plans include reducing financial support for the Department of Energy’s Loan Program Office and eliminating tax credits for nuclear facilities.

These funding programs are essential, not optional. Nuclear projects require considerable capital and extensive development timelines. Lacking government backing, most private investors are likely to withdraw. Such funding cuts could halt SMR projects before they even begin.

A Call for Bipartisanship in Energy Investments

Democrats, at times, have mistakenly framed investments in the clean energy transition as solely a means to appease elite coastal interests that prioritize climate concerns. However, as efforts to decarbonize the electrical grid advance, it remains crucial to acknowledge the hardworking Americans whose livelihoods are intertwined with the fossil fuel sector.

For this reason, Senator Gallego argues that investing in future energy solutions should serve as a bipartisan goal. He has voiced his support for the confirmation of Secretary Wright and addressed the need to safeguard SMR investments alongside ensuring stable funding for nuclear projects.

The intersection of clean energy production, community revitalization, and union labor is a compelling narrative—one that should unite both sides of the aisle in Congress.

Charting a Path Forward for Nuclear Energy

To maintain competitiveness and security, the United States must move beyond merely protecting its existing achievements. Streamlining regulations and expediting permitting processes are vital, provided they do not compromise safety standards or disregard community input.

Additionally, the nation must prioritize domestic innovation and relocate the nuclear components supply chain to reduce dependency on adversaries. Both China and Russia already employ operational SMRs, and the United States must accelerate its progress to keep up.

Senator Gallego is committed to championing these initiatives in the Senate and is calling on Congress to forge a stronger, collaborative approach.

This challenge transcends political ideology; it fundamentally pertains to securing power. The primary goal remains to ensure reliable energy supply, maintain economic stability, and fulfill commitments to workers across the nation.