Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski supports nuclear energy in NEI addresses

Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) addressed the Nuclear Energy Institute’s (NEI) annual conference on Wednesday, supporting the role of nuclear energy in America’s future.

"I believe that energy should be abundant, affordable, clean, diverse and secure,” Murkowski said. “And I believe that the future of the nuclear industry is bright because it checks all of those boxes. Nuclear fits right in."

These comments were heartening to the more than 800 nuclear leaders assembled, as Murkowski is set to begin drafting new energy legislation, to replace a law enacted in 2007 in a vastly different atmosphere. The new bill will provide an opportunity to improve nuclear-related licensing, which Murkowski said she intended to do.

She also spoke in support of the Nuclear Waste Adminstration Act, which would reform the federal nuclear waste management program, and stressed the importance of new nuclear energy generation methods.

"I have long supported and advocated for the development and employment of small modular reactors," Murkowski said, referring to those that generate up to 300 megawatts of power.

She noted that these small reactors could lower costs and dependence on fossil fuels in her home state, especially aiding remote communities.