Yesterday, United States Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee engaged in a hearing with Energy Secretary Chris Wright. The discussion confirmed the importance of nuclear energy as a vital component for ushering in what they termed the “American Energy Golden Age.” Senator Hagerty, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, highlighted Tennessee’s potential to lead in nuclear energy production.
“The United States is at a pivotal moment in energy production,” stated Hagerty. He emphasized that this shift is significant not only for the nation but also globally. Hagerty noted Tennessee’s involvement in what he described as “Manhattan Project 2.0” and expressed satisfaction with introducing Secretary Wright to efforts in their home state.
Hagerty expressed optimism about Tennessee becoming a catalyst for nuclear energy resurgence in the U.S. He asked Secretary Wright about the role of nuclear energy, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), in achieving American energy dominance and ensuring grid reliability over the next decade.
Secretary Wright responded by underscoring the potential of nuclear technology to expand beyond current electricity production capabilities. “It is the critical technology that could scale wildly beyond where it is today,” said Wright. He affirmed his commitment to advancing nuclear energy, stating, “I am all in with you on advancing nuclear…Nuclear is the [energy source] that could burst through.”
