DeGette, Duncan Statement on Senate Passage of Her Bill to Transform American Nuclear Energy
DENVER, CO — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) released the following statement after the Senate passed S. 870, legislation that includes the bill written by Rep. DeGette, who serves as the top Democrat on the Energy & Climate subcommittee, and Chair Jeff Duncan to improve America’s nuclear energy production and workforce.
“Transitioning to clean energy is essential in our efforts to combat the climate crisis. Nuclear energy provides nearly 20 percent of our electricity in the United States and, when fully modernized and with a highly trained and skilled workforce, can lead us towards a clean energy future,” said DeGette. “I wrote this bill with Chairman Duncan because I know that the transition to clean energy needs to be an all-of-the-above approach. Nuclear energy is not a silver bullet, but it must be a part of the equation to help lower energy costs and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. I look forward to seeing President Biden sign our bill into law so that the United States can continue to be a leader in clean energy production.”
“With America’s electric demand continuing to grow, we are nearing the precipice of a nationwide energy crisis,” said Rep. Duncan. “By working through regular order as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security, I led the Committee in drafting drastic, meaningful reforms to preserve America’s nuclear fleet and increase nuclear power generation. Through the Atomic Energy Advancement Act, we reduce emissions; fortify our economic and strategic positioning globally; and provide reliable, affordable, and clean energy for all Americans.”
Reps. DeGette and Duncan introduced the Atomic Energy Advancement Act (AEAA) in December of 2023 and passed it out of the House on a strong bipartisan vote of 365-36. The bill text can be found here.
The AEAA was incorporated into the Senate’s ADVANCE Act of 2023, the legislation that was included in S. 870. The Senate passed the bill today by a vote of 88-2 and it now heads to President Biden’s desk for his signature.