Built for Nuclear Power
CATHY BONNSTETTER
West Virginia is poised to enhance its reputation as an energy powerhouse . Empowered with changes in both federal and state laws , innovative thinkers and political leaders are preparing to welcome nuclear energy as part of the state ’ s energy portfolio , a move that can bring sustainable jobs with life-changing wages and possibilities . State leaders are quick to explain that the Mountain State ’ s new energy package will be a coexistence of nuclear and coal powered energy , along with wind and solar energy .
“ We have to understand where nuclear energy fits and what its role is ,” says Marshall University President Brad Smith , says . “ Nuclear energy is very clean and reliable . It needs to be part of the portfolio , but it is not intended to replace everything . As a state , we are proud of our fossil fuel legacy . Historically , those fuels have done very well , continue to play a vital role today and will continue to play a vital role in the future .”
In 1996 , West Virginia banned the ability to build nuclear power plants in the state ; however , in January 2022 , the Legislature repealed the 25-year-old ban . Repealing the ban was just the first step toward rendering nuclear energy a viable source in the Mountain State .
“ The ban on nuclear was a combination of some concerns . What if there is a natural disaster or catastrophic event ?
Also , we had other sources that we focused our time and our resources on ,” Smith says . “ Now we have a more inclusive approach to energy — it doesn ’ t need to be either / or . This is a natural place in time for us to move beyond that . By removing the 25-year ban , our governor and Legislature opened the opportunities for people to come in and help us develop this nuclear power infrastructure in the state .”
Smith , former CEO of Intuit and co-founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation — an organization whose vision focuses on advancement of the state of West Virginia and its citizens through education , entrepreneurship and the environment — says he has always been a fan of the All of the Above Energy Plan that dates back to the Obama administration . Senator Joe Manchin , chairman of the U . S . Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources , also agrees that the Mountain State is ready to embrace nuclear possibilities .
“ America ’ s energy future will rely on innovation , not elimination ,” Manchin says . “ Advanced nuclear power will be a critical component of our energy security and independence for decades to come . The Inflation Reduction Act , CHIPS and Science Act , Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Energy Act of 2020 all included provisions providing substantial incentives and programs to support the deployment of nuclear power across the U . S .”
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