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.
Technical Session|Panel
Wednesday, February 5, 2025|10:10–11:50AM EST|Cumberland A
Session Chair:
John Mobley (Univ. Michigan)
Session Organizer:
Since its inception in 1994, the Nuclear Engineering Student Delegation (NESD) has provided students specializing in nuclear-related disciplines with a unique opportunity to engage directly with the political process. Participants gain hands-on experience by interfacing with policymakers and nuclear industry leaders while developing a standalone policy statement. Originally conceived in response to the proposed elimination of funding for nuclear research reactor programs in the FY 1995 budget, this independently-organized program has since broadened its scope to encompass all issues pertinent to the future of nuclear energy, policy, education, and research. This panel session will feature insights from NESD Chairs throughout the years, offering perspectives on the role, impact, and future direction of the student-centric initiative. As such, the discussion will highlight the program's influence on personal pathways and professional development.
Natalie Cannon
Georgia Tech
Patrick White
Nuclear Innovation Alliance
Tyler Ellis
Black Hills Partners
Michael McMahon
NAC International
To join the conversation, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
Register NowLog In