Manchin voices strong support for nuclear energy

February 26, 2021, 7:03AMANS Nuclear Cafe

Manchin

Speaking at a U.S. Senate committee meeting this week, Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.V.) said that continuing support for nuclear energy would be essential in meeting the country’s goals of reducing the emissions that fuel climate change, according to the Politico Pro newsletter.

Details: Manchin, who heads the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, was highly critical of anyone suggesting that climate change can be addressed without nuclear energy being in the mix.

“Without nuclear, forget about climate—you're not real,” he said.

Manchin also stressed that he thinks the emerging Democratic consensus of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 is within reach if the country invests heavily in new technologies. He noted that newly confirmed Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm “knows exactly where we're coming from” on the need to develop new technologies and vowed to hold her accountable.

“We're going to be working very close with her to make sure that we're putting money out for these new technologies around the country,” Manchin said. “Now you see the political divide—urban versus rural. It'll get deeper and deeper if we don't pull together.”


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