North Central PA Times

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania state Senators John Kane (D-9) and Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), along with state Representatives Robert Matzie (D-16) and Tom Mehaffie (R-106), announced the relaunch of the Nuclear Energy Caucus today.

“Nuclear energy has powered Pennsylvania’s homes and businesses for decades with reliable, carbon-free electricity,” the members of the caucus stated. “We are relaunching the bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Nuclear Energy Caucus to ensure we keep this tried-and-true clean energy contributing to our baseload power for generations to come.”

Pennsylvania is recognized as the birthplace of the nuclear power industry, with its first commercial nuclear power plant beginning operations in 1957 in Shippingport. Currently, Pennsylvania's eight nuclear reactors at four facilities produce one-third of all electricity generated in the commonwealth.

During the 2010s, America's nuclear power plants faced significant economic and financial challenges, leading to premature closures across the country. This included Three Mile Island near Harrisburg, which shut down in 2019. A Joint State Government Commission report on nuclear energy found that this closure resulted in an 8% reduction in Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy output and hundreds of lost jobs.

The commission's report also examined small modular reactors (SMRs), innovative fission-based units constructed in factories and shipped to sites for assembly. These units produce emission-free power around the clock and are expected to be commercially viable by 2030.

“Now is the time for Pennsylvania to build safeguards—not barriers—to move quickly to construct SMRs,” stated caucus members. “By preparing now, we can ensure that Pennsylvania’s energy past is also our energy future.”

Culver Media Contact: Betsy Reichenbach - 717-787-8928

Kane Media Contact: Drew Henderson - 484-861-4686

Matzie Media Contact: Liane Leshne - 978-549-1868

Mehaffie Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch - 717-260-6563