ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
May 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
June 2026
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Getting back to yes: A local perspective on decommissioning, restart, and responsibility
For 45 years, Duane Arnold Energy Center operated in Linn County, Ia., near the town of Palo and just northwest of Cedar Rapids. The facility, owned by NextEra Energy, was the only nuclear power plant in the state.
In August 2020, a historic derecho swept across eastern Iowa with winds approaching 140 miles per hour. Damage to the plant’s cooling towers accelerated a shutdown that had already been planned, and the facility entered decommissioning soon after, with its fuel removed in October of that year. Iowa’s only nuclear plant had gone off line.
Today the national energy landscape looks very different than it did just six short years ago. Electricity demand is rising rapidly as data centers, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and electrification expand across the country. Reliable, carbon-free baseload power has become increasingly valuable. In that context, Linn County has approved the rezoning necessary to support the recommissioning and restart of Duane Arnold and is actively supporting NextEra’s efforts to secure the remaining state and federal approvals.
Mailing AddressAmerican Nuclear Society1111 Pasquinelli Dr., Suite 350Westmont, Illinois 60559USA
Phone & FaxToll-free: 800-323-3044Local: 708-352-6611Fax: 708-579-8314
Email (General Inquiries)askanything@ans.org
General Mailing ListSubscribe to our general mailing list to stay informed about ANS news and events.
Media InquiriesPlease contact our Media Relations team.
Respectful Behavior Policy ReportsYou may submit reports via our Respectful Behavior Policy page.
Craig PiercyCEO
Staci LevyChief Financial Officer
Johnny CisonDirector of Digital Technology
Desireé DoleckiDirector of Conferences
John FabianDirector of Publications
Dan GoldbergDirector of Programs
Jeff MossesDirector of Advertising and Sponsorship
Daryl RizzoDirector of Development
Andrew SmithDirector of Communications
John StarkeyDirector of Public Policy
Eileen CullenSenior Manager, Conferences and Exhibits
Uchenna EzibeSenior Manager, STEM Programs
Jessie VazquezSenior Manager, Membership
Aubrey WhittingtonSenior Manager, Human Resources and Governance
