An ELI Public Webinar
Nuclear energy is becoming a frequent topic of conversation related to climate change and the ever-increasing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The United States currently has 93 nuclear reactors licensed to operate across 28 states, generating 45.5% of the carbon-free electricity in the country. Nuclear energy advocates argue that the increased use of nuclear power is integral to combatting climate change and transitioning to clean energy. However, there are many concerns about the risks of nuclear energy – including environmental justice concerns and unresolved issues surrounding nuclear waste management.
Join the Environmental Law Institute and expert panelists for a discussion about where nuclear energy stands in 2023. Panelists will explore various viewpoints about the role of nuclear in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will provide updates on potential nuclear-related legislation that may be passed this year. How did the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) impact the field of nuclear energy? How would the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act of 2023 affect energy use if passed? What efforts are being made to address environmental justice concerns from frontline communities? Our panelists will discuss these questions and many more.
Panelists:
Tara K. Righetti, Occidental Chair in Energy and Environmental Policies and SER Professor of Law, University of Wyoming College of Law, Moderator
Victor Ibarra, Jr., Nuclear Innovation Analyst, Nuclear Innovation Alliance
Jeffrey S. Merrifield, Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Chris Shuey, Co-Principal Investigator, Southwest Research and Information Center
Charlyne Smith, Senior Nuclear Energy Analyst, The Breakthrough Institute
Materials:
Materials will be posted as they are received.
ELI members will have subsequent access to any materials/a recording of this session (usually posted within three business days). If you are not an ELI member but would like to have access to archived sessions like this one, see the many benefits of membership and how to join.