CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As Americans continue facing rising energy prices, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is urging the Biden administration to consider policies to boost nuclear energy production.
Capito’s comments on nuclear power came during a Senate Environment and Public Workers Committee hearing on Wednesday regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The independent government agency is responsible for overseeing the use of radioactive materials at power plants, as well as the transportation, storage and disposal of nuclear materials and waste.
“Instead of pursuing policies that will accelerate inflation and undermine our grid, we should advance the solutions we’re going to hear about that will reduce costs and increase reliability, all while improving the environment,” Capito said. “This means pursuing all clean energy sources, including carbon capture, natural gas and nuclear.”
Capito has criticized President Joe Biden and federal agencies for pursuing its agenda regarding climate change, arguing the administration’s steps will affect energy affordability and electric reliability.
“It seems this reckless tax-and-spending spree would increase energy costs on all American families and businesses,” she said. “It would harm our competitiveness, it would reduce reliability of our energy system. It’s just a bad deal.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 9% of the United State’s energy consumption in 2020 came from nuclear power. Capito described nuclear energy as the most powerful “duel tool” in generating electricity while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.