Granholm eyes federal assistance for at-risk reactors

“We're not going to be able to achieve our climate goals if our nuclear power plants shut down,” Granholm said. “We have to find ways to keep them operating. . . . I know the American Jobs Plan established an energy efficiency and clean energy standard, which includes nuclear, and that creates demand for nuclear power while cutting electricity bills. But this question of some direct subsidy of some way to support these plants to stay open, that is still an open question, but I know that this administration would be eager to work with Congress on it."

What else she said: Granholm was also questioned about alternatives to a waste repository at Yucca Mountain. She said the DOE was moving forward to develop an approach to find a consent-based interim storage facility. “The possible steps...include requests for information, engaging with stakeholders and tribal governments, establishing a funding mechanism for interested communities, organizations, maybe tribal governments to explore the concept,” she said, adding that the department hopes to announce next steps “in the coming months.”