Bipartisan Support Builds for Nuclear Energy

A growing number of democrats support nuclear energy, a sea change from just a few years ago (POLITICO Pro’s Morning Energy, subscription).

What’s going on: “Kathy Hochul of New York [and] Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey … are among a growing list of Democratic governors who have taken steps this year to encourage nuclear development.”

• That support places them in agreement with the administration, which has pushed for more nuclear power since President Trump’s return to office last January.
• It also comes as lawmakers of all political stripes search for ways to meet the growing electricity demand coming from data centers.

Why they’re doing it: Democrats have come to see nuclear power as a way to meet this increased appetite while meeting environmental promises and goals.

New highs: This year, 14 U.S. governors—the highest number ever—expressed support for nuclear power in their state of the state speeches.

• And in Illinois, nine communities in the state responded to an executive order seeking new nuclear plant hosts.

The NAM says: “There has been widespread bipartisan recognition that we will need a lot more nuclear power especially at a time of rapidly rising electricity demand,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

• “Nuclear must be a central part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy that delivers reliable, affordable energy, strengthens our grid and keeps America competitive.”