State Senator John Kane (D–Chester/Delaware), who serves as co-chair of the bipartisan and bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus, has introduced a resolution to recognize December 2, 2025, as World Nuclear Energy Day in Pennsylvania. The measure is intended to highlight the state’s leadership in nuclear innovation, clean energy production, and job creation.
Senator Kane was joined by caucus co-chair Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R–Northumberland/Snyder) in introducing the resolution. Their joint effort reflects a bipartisan approach to strengthening Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy sector.
“Before my time in public service, I worked as a union plumber at the Limerick plant, and later, as business manager of the Plumbers Union, I sent hundreds of skilled tradespeople into these facilities. I’ve seen firsthand the pride, expertise, and safety that Pennsylvania workers bring to the nuclear industry. Pennsylvania has always been at the forefront of nuclear innovation and today we operate one of the nation’s most reliable, carbon-free nuclear fleets. Pennsylvania’s leadership is only growing, and World Nuclear Energy Day is a chance to honor the hardworking folks who keep our plants secure, our grid stable, and our future sustainable,” said Senator Kane.
Pennsylvania ranks second in nuclear energy production nationwide after Illinois. Its four operating plants—Beaver Valley, Limerick, Peach Bottom, and Susquehanna—produce close to 9,500 megawatts of emission-free power for residents and businesses across the state. Plans are underway for an additional facility: when revived in 2027, the Crane Clean Energy Center will contribute another 837 megawatts to the PJM grid.
Senator Culver stated: “Pennsylvania has a long and proud history of leading the nation in safe, reliable nuclear energy, and our communities continue to benefit from the jobs, innovation, and economic strength this industry provides. Recognizing World Nuclear Energy Day is an opportunity to highlight the skilled workers, engineers, and local partners who keep these facilities running safely every day. Nuclear power is essential not only to maintaining a stable grid but also to supporting our nation’s energy independence. I am grateful for the bipartisan cooperation that allows us to support an energy sector that is vital to our economy and our future.”
Representative Matzie also expressed his support for advancing nuclear progress through collaboration.
“Nuclear energy is the key to a cleaner, more sustainable, more affordable energy future. Spreading awareness of the benefits of nuclear energy is vital in securing that future. That is why World Nuclear Energy Day is so important. I’m proud to have introduced the companion resolution in the House – HR 372 – along with Rep. Tom Mehaffie. And equally proud to serve as Co-Chair with Rep. Mehaffie and Sens. Kane and Culver of the PA Nuclear Energy Caucus. We will continue, in a bi-partisan fashion, to support nuclear energy as a safe proven solution to capacity challenges we face moving forward.”
The economic impact of Pennsylvania’s nuclear industry includes about 15,900 full-time jobs statewide while contributing $2 billion annually toward gross domestic product (GDP) figures for Pennsylvania; it also generates approximately $70 million per year in state tax revenue. In addition to economic benefits like job creation and tax contributions from its operations across multiple counties throughout southeastern regions within PA borders alone—the sector prevents over 37 million metric tons worth CO₂ emissions each year which supports ongoing efforts related both air quality improvement measures taken locally here too alongside national goals set forth around maintaining greater degrees independence when comes sourcing electricity needs domestically versus relying upon imports elsewhere outside US boundaries entirely instead whenever possible going forward now as well.
As demand grows for continuous clean electricity—especially from artificial intelligence systems data centers next-generation industries—the resolution acknowledges that nuclear power will play an increasingly important role meeting those needs securely reliably sustainably all alike looking ahead into near- longer-term futures together collectively overall.
The resolution is expected receive broad bipartisan backing when brought before Senate consideration soon.
