NPP Newsletter: MIT report shows the positive environmental impact of nuclear energy

Hello everyone-

Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of things to look forward to; cooler weather, ‘trick or treating’ and football season, to name a few. We can also look forward to several events over the next month that will bring attention to the importance of Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy resources and the value they offer to our environment.

New MIT report details the future of nuclear energy 
Earlier this month, the MIT Energy Institute released a report titled, “The Future of Nuclear Energy in a Carbon-Constrained World,” which explores the challenges facing the U.S. nuclear energy industry. Based on two years of primary research, authors explain how policymakers, utilities, regulators and other stakeholders can take steps to protect the nation’s nuclear energy resources – and the critical carbon-reduction benefits they offer –now and for time to come.

The full report from MIT is available for download here, though two key messages stood out to us:

  • “The central opportunity for nuclear energy over the next several decades is tied to its potential contribution to decarbonizing the power sector.”
  • “Nuclear energy does provide other benefits: it reduces other types of air pollution associated with electricity production; in addition, it contributes to fuel diversification and grid stability, has low land requirements, and creates well-paid jobs.”

Does anything else in this report surprise you? Did you learn something new, or have other thoughts about the findings? Let us know by sharing your comments on Facebook and Twitter, and don’t forget to tag #NuclearPowersPA. We look forward to hearing from you!

Mark your calendar
The MIT report has brought much-needed attention to the environmental benefits of nuclear energy, particularly its ability to help prevent climate change. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events that generate awareness about climate change and other renewable energy resources.

  • Zero Emissions Day (Friday, September 21) – With the goal of giving the planet a “day off” from emissions, this holiday encourages observers to minimize or eliminate their use of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal by walking or biking to where they need to go, or unplugging non-essential electronics.

  • Clean Energy Week (Monday, September 24 – Friday, September 28) – Conceived in 2017, this week-long celebration of the nation’s energy sector aims to advance sustainable energy resources through new methods of market development, policy change, and technological innovation.
  • Nuclear Energy Caucus meetings (Tuesday, September 25 and Monday, October 1) – This bipartisan, bicameral group of state lawmakers will continue its examination of nuclear energy in Pennsylvania by hosting these two important meetings at the state Capitol. NPP will be there for both. We’ll have a livestream of both sessions posted on the NPP website, so keep an eye there, or to our Facebook and Twitter pages, to tune in!

Be on the lookout for more updates from us in the coming weeks and encourage others to sign up for the NPP mailing list, too. By working together, we can ensure that our policy makers in Pennsylvania fully understand the economic and environmental benefits nuclear energy delivers to our great Commonwealth.

Sincerely,
Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania