Governor says nuclear power is key to America's clean energy future
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is taking steps to promote the state as a potential leader in providing clean energy by way of accelerating the development of nuclear power here.
Executive Order 101 creates the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, which will seek to build upon the state’s legacy in nuclear innovation and drive continued investment to create a nuclear energy ecosystem for the future of Tennessee.
“Tennessee is ready-made to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy for the future,” said Gov. Lee. “Today, I’m signing an executive order that will continue our work to make Tennessee the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive, bringing greater opportunity and quality jobs for Tennesseans.”
In addition to the Advisory Council, Lee's Administration is committing state funding to support and promote nuclear energy.
Lee partnered with the Tennessee General Assembly to create a $50 million Nuclear Fund in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The fund, proposed by Gov. Lee at his 2023 State of the State address in February, will establish a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem built for the future of Tennessee by providing grants and assistance to support nuclear power-related businesses that choose to relocate or grow in the state.
The Advisory Council's mission will include:
· Legislative, policy and budgetary changes to address regulatory, workforce or education barriers that exist to the creation and expansion of nuclear energy facilities in Tennessee
· Funding opportunities for state government, local governments and the private sector
· Storage and waste practices that continue the state’s long history of conserving Tennessee’s natural resources
· Federal actions that Tennessee should pursue with federal partners and agencies
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