WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) introduced legislation to bolster America's nuclear energy workforce through an initiative that enhances the dissemination of nuclear energy-related information at American schools in an attempt to alter the stigma associated with nuclear power. The recently introduced initiative also strategically increases awareness about employment information and experiential learning opportunities within the nuclear energy industry and associated nuclear supply chain at American secondary schools, trade schools, community colleges, and institutions of higher education.
"The American Nuclear Workforce Act" is the 77th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds in the 118th Congress and is the 23rd proposal of the Congressman's "2023-24 Nuclear Energy Legislative Package." The bill is co-sponsored by Representatives Brandon Williams (R-NY), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN), and Troy Nehls (R-TX). American Conservation Coalition Action, America First Policy Institute, American Nuclear Society, Consumer Energy Alliance, Mothers for Nuclear, Nuclear Alternative Project, Uranium Producers of America, and U.S. Nuclear Industry Council have also endorsed this piece of legislation.
"A robust nuclear energy workforce is critical to our nation's energy independence and security," said Rep. Donalds. "As America plans to increase its utilization of nuclear energy in the years to come, a proactive and forward-looking nuclear workforce strategy is much needed. We must collectively work together to change nuclear energy's negative connotation, and increasing awareness about the benefits that nuclear can provide at our nation's educational institutions will help spark a new generation of interest and participation within the industry."
"We best serve the next generation of minds that will propel nuclear energy forward by providing them with robust education and access to information," said Rep. Williams. "I applaud Rep. Donalds for his leadership in this space."
"The American nuclear energy industry will need a strong workforce to meet a growing demand for clean, safe, and reliable nuclear energy," said American Conservation Coalition Action President Chris Barnard. "With more people leaving the industry than entering it, we must reverse this trend. The American Conservation Coalition Action (ACC Action) and our thousands of young conservative leaders across the country applaud this effort to bolster the nuclear energy workforce of the future, which will unleash this clean energy source and increase access to high-paying jobs."
"A skilled, well-trained, and capable workforce is imperative as the advanced nuclear industry begins to commercialize novel, smaller reactor technologies," said U.S. Nuclear Industry Council President & CEO Todd Abrajano. "The U.S. Nuclear Industry Council supports the framework of the American Nuclear Workforce Act and what it does to encourage the growth of the nuclear industry's workforce into the future."
"The Uranium Producers of America applaud the introduction of the American Nuclear Workforce Act, important legislation that will help inspire and train the next generation of leaders in the American nuclear power industry. The American nuclear power industry employs over half a million people, bringing jobs to local communities of all sizes, and contributes $60 billion annually to the U.S. GDP while accounting for 20% of our power generation," said the Uranium Producers of America. "The developments in the nuclear industry expected over the coming years will require a more direct approach to attracting and training the talent needed to keep our reactors functioning and our country's energy secure. This bill is a thoughtful and tailored way to ensure we meet those goals while growing the industry and economy more broadly. The Uranium Producers of America are grateful to Congressman Donalds for his continued leadership in advancing the nuclear energy industry, and we urge Congress to swiftly pass this important bill to better secure the industry for generations to come."
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