Why West Virginia might be looking towards nuclear power

WEST VIRGINIA (WTRF) — In 2023, the Senate passed the ADVANCE Act, a bipartisan nuclear energy bill that falls under the NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act.

The ADVANCE Act aims to strengthen national energy security and expand a clean power source by making nuclear licensing more affordable and efficient.

It also looks to improve modern manufacturing techniques for better nuclear reactors.

Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Senator, says she sees nuclear power as a part of West Virginia’s future.

“Part of the ADVANCE Act says that you can take brown fields or old coal sites and repurpose them for nuclear power. What better way for West Virgina to become a leader than to have, as we’ve always had, we have excess power, let’s have more excess power.”>  

SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, U.S. SENATOR

Although the act is awaiting approval from the White House, Shelly Moore Capito predicts it will be sorted sometime this year.

Once it passes, the hope is the act will advance the U.S. into a global leader in nuclear energy.