Scott, Risch, and Warner Commemorate World Nuclear Energy Day

WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, on a resolution designating December 2, 2024, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution celebrates the peaceful development of nuclear energy technology and underscores the vital role of nuclear power in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable energy grid worldwide.

“Because of innovation and energy ingenuity, over 50 percent of South Carolina is powered by nuclear energy! Our advancements in the energy sector have created a pathway to securing energy independence and leading on the world stage. I am glad to join my colleagues to commemorate World Nuclear Energy Day,” said Senator Scott.

“Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going,” said Senator 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,” Senator Warner said. “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.”

Senators Scott, Risch, and Warner were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) in introducing the resolution. 

Background:

December 2 marks two significant turning points in the advancement of nuclear energy:

• December 2, 1942 – the world’s first self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated.
• December 2, 1957 – the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in the United States.

The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States, explores emerging nuclear technologies, and promotes the goals and priorities of the U.S. nuclear industry.

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