The US Nuclear Industry: Current Status and Prospects under the Obama Administration

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In The Media

The US Nuclear Industry: Current Status and Prospects under the Obama Administration

Expectations of a nuclear energy renaissance are particularly high in the United States, but government programs to jump start new reactor construction will likely not be enough to spark more than a handful of reactors by 2015.

By Sharon Squassoni

Published on Nov 30, 2009

Source: CIGI Nuclear Energy Futures Paper No. 7

The US Nuclear Industry: Current Status and ProspeExpectations of a nuclear energy renaissance are particularly high in the United States, which hasn't had a new reactor order in 30 years. Government programs to jump start new reactor construction have contributed to the optimism, but these are not likely enough to spark more than a handful of reactors by 2015. Aggressive government support would be needed, including subsidies, a carbon pricing mechanism, and an acceptable waste management solution. This paper, published by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), discusses the history, current status and prospects for US nuclear power under the Obama administration.

About the Author

Sharon Squassoni

Former Senior Associate, Nuclear Policy Program

Squassoni came to Carnegie from the Congressional Research Service. She also served for nine years in the executive branch. Her last position at the State Department was director of Policy Coordination in the Nonproliferation Bureau.

Recent Work

Other
Grading Progress on 13 Steps Toward Nuclear Disarmament
- Sharon Squassoni
Report
Nuclear Energy: Rebirth or Resuscitation?
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Nuclear Policy Nuclear Energy North America United States

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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