East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mark Warner have introduced a resolution to designate December 2, 2024, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution aims to celebrate the peaceful development of nuclear energy technology and emphasize its importance in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable global energy grid.

"Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going," said Risch. "I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with Senator Warner and acknowledge the incredible advancements the United States, and particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy."

"Nuclear energy is critical to meeting U.S. and global energy demands," Warner stated. "I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with my co-chair Sen. Risch to celebrate the advancement of the U.S. nuclear energy industry and highlight the importance of building on the progress we have made."

The resolution is supported by several other senators including Mike Crapo, Dick Durbin, Mike Braun, Chris Coons, Thom Tillis, Sheldon Whitehouse, Joe Manchin, Roger Marshall, Cory Booker, and Cynthia Lummis.

December 2 holds historical significance for nuclear energy: in 1942 it marked the world's first self-sustaining controlled nuclear chain reaction demonstration; in 1957 it saw the start of operations at the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States.

The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus highlights nuclear energy's critical role in America while exploring emerging technologies and promoting goals within the U.S. nuclear industry.