ECA’s New Nuclear Initiative focuses on defining the role of local governments in supporting the development of the new nuclear technologies. This ECA initiative aims to help our local government members better understand how/where they can use and build their unique experiences and resources (i.e., skilled workforce, relationships with DOE, community colleges and contractors).
ECA’s initiative seeks to answer three primary questions:
1. What do communities need to know to attract and support new nuclear development/missions?
2. What and how should communities communicate to industry, national laboratories, state and federal governments about local resources and development opportunities?
3. What hurdles and challenges will communities face and who can we work with to overcome them?
“Why Local Governments and Communities Support New Nuclear Development”
ECA Staff. 02 August 2022.
The United States faces a range of energy challenges, from seeking energy security to addressing climate change. The solutions lie in our local communities, serving as the hosts of groundbreaking energy and environmental projects throughout our nation’s history.
In communities across the country, government officials, the workforce, manufacturers, economic development entities, businesses, and educational institutions are partnering to make progress on new nuclear development – especially SMRs. Communities are supporting new nuclear to demonstrate 1) Nuclear is a reliable source of clean and carbon free energy; 2) Nuclear projects create economic diversity and workforce opportunities; 3) Nuclear power makes the region and community economically competitive; and 4) Nuclear is critical for energy independence, reliability, and security.
“Want to Restore American Nuclear Leadership? Look to Local Communities”
ECA Staff. 17 June 2020.
This article illustrates that many host communities across the DOE Complex have the infrastructure, resources, and human capital for the federal and private sector pursuit to develop new nuclear facilities, supply chains and fuels within the United States.
ECA staff. 2014.
ECA developed A Community Handbook on Nuclear Energy: Understanding Nuclear Energy and Alternatives for the Future (Handbook) to assist local communities in identifying and understanding the myriad issues associated with potentially hosting a nuclear power production, manufacturing, defense, disposal or other facility. Included in this Handbook is the history of issues that should be considered and more importantly the role that local governments and communities can play in the development of a nuclear facility in their community.
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