WASHINGTON, DC – The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center today launched its Task Force on US Nuclear Energy Leadership, led by honorary co-chairs Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), leaders in nuclear energy policy.

“There is strong bipartisan agreement in Congress that nuclear energy is a reliable, safe, clean and efficient part of our national energy portfolio.  This collaborative initiative will drive that message,” said Crapo.  “It also builds on legislation Senator Whitehouse and I have advanced lifting barriers to innovation and collaboration in nuclear generation research and development.  I am looking forward to continuing our partnership as advocates for strong domestic nuclear power generation.”

“There is broad agreement that carbon-free energy here at home is good for our economy, the climate, and national security,” said Whitehouse.  “In the Senate, Democrats and Republicans are working together to advance nuclear energy technologies that I dream can one day provide a clean energy solution to our nuclear waste stockpiles. I’m proud to join Senator Crapo in this important new initiative at the Atlantic Council.”

The Task Force will explore nuclear energy as a key pillar within the energy security, foreign policy, and economic priorities of the United States, and identify challenges and solutions to continued US nuclear power leadership. It will include leading experts from industry, academia, and government to discuss key issues, including sustaining the current nuclear fleet; facilitating research and development in pursuit of innovation; commercialization and exports; and enrichment and fuel cycle issues, culminating in a report to be released in late 2018.

The Task Force will build off previous work by the Global Energy Center, including the March 2018 Issue Brief, US Nuclear-Power Leadership and the Chinese and Russian Challenge, which argues that “US global leadership and engagement in nuclear power are vital to US national security and foreign policy interests.”

While nuclear power represents a key source of reliable, emissions-free, baseload power; contributes to a diverse energy portfolio; and represents a key area of technological leadership, the United States’ traditional international leadership role is being severely challenged, especially by China and Russia.

By exploring nuclear energy as an energy security, foreign policy, and economic priority, the Task Force will make the strategic case for US leadership on nuclear energy development and innovation at home and abroad.

The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center promotes energy security by working alongside government, industry, civil society, and public stakeholders to devise pragmatic solutions to the geopolitical, sustainability, and economic challenges of the changing global energy landscape.

If you would like to know more about the Global Energy Center or speak with a Global Energy Center expert about nuclear energy issues, please contact press@AtlanticCouncil.org.