Tennessee U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-03) joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in introducing the National Nuclear Commitment Act.
America needs a strong nuclear sector for our national security and for future generations to have access to abundant, cheap, clean energy.
Proud to join @RepDonaldsPress & bipartisan Members of the House to introduce the National Nuclear Commitment Act. https://t.co/4BtjSlWdtD
— Chuck Fleischmann (@RepChuck) March 21, 2023
The bipartisan legislation, filed as H.Con.Res.26, expresses Congress’ commitment to embracing and accepting nuclear power as a clean baseload energy source to help achieve energy independence.
The text of the one-page resolution reads, “That it is the sense of Congress that in order to achieve geopolitical energy leadership, reduce carbon emissions, and secure American energy independence, Congress is committed to embracing and accepting nuclear power as a clean baseload energy source that is easily compatible with other intermittent energy sources and necessary to achieve a reliable, secure, and green electric grid.”
In a statement, Fleischmann called nuclear power “essential” in securing energy independence and achieving clean energy goals. Fleischmann serves as co-chairman of the Advanced Nuclear Caucus and Fusion Energy Caucus.
“Since coming to Congress, I’ve been excited to see growing bipartisan support to invest in nuclear energy. America needs a robust domestic nuclear sector for our national security, energy security, and for future generations to have access to abundant, cheap, clean energy,” Fleischmann stated. “I am proud to join this resolution showing Congress’ strong support for nuclear power. Only by working together, in a bipartisan way, can we grow America’s nuclear energy sector.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear power protects air quality as a zero-emission clean energy source. In addition, nuclear energy produces more electricity on less land than any other clean-air source while producing minimal waste.
In Fleischmann’s district, the Y‑12 National Security Complex operates in Oak Ridge. Y-12 is one of six production facilities in the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) Nuclear Security Enterprise.
The Y-12 facility was constructed as part of the World War II Manhattan Project, which provided the enriched uranium for Little Boy, the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. After World War II (WWII), the Oak Ridge facility provided lithium separation and components for the thermonuclear weapons that helped end the Cold War. The city has since been designated by the National Park Service (NPS) as an American WWII Heritage City.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Chuck Fleischmann” by Chuck Fleischmann.
