Splitting Stigmas

On December 7, 2022, a new dawn seemed to rise in West Virginia.  The old dusty mountains seemed to stretch a bit higher, the aged rivers ran a bit swifter, and the tall trees swayed a bit freer.  It was not a change in the weather causing this, but rather changes by West Virginians being made for the climate and for revitalization of the Mountain State which emboldened our natural resources to grow wild once again.  For this day saw the first ever New Energy Conference, hosted by MAREC Action and American Clean Power Association.

This is the first energy conference in the state I am aware of ...

West Virginia has seen great interest and much progress in the development and planning for of alternative electric generation in recent years.  These efforts have been further bolstered by legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (“BIL”) and the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”).  As these efforts to add cleaner energy and more electricity generation to the state increase, the West Virginia Public Service Commission (“PSC”), the governing body in charge of reviewing and approving applications for electrical generation projects, has recently made its ...

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently held its Nuclear Energy International Ministerial Conference in Washington, DC. The conference saw countries from across the world make new commitments to nuclear energy, renew initiatives to restart and expand nuclear programs, and world leaders and ambassadors reiterate the dire need for nuclear energy to lead the energy transition and promote economic, energy, and national security.

Some of the notable quotes and statements from the conference exemplifying the importance and belief in nuclear energy were the ...

Nuclear energy and advanced nuclear is beginning to gain support and momentum in the Appalachian region.

Earlier this month, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin unveiled Virginia’s new 2022 Energy Plan. This new energy plan, like West Virginia’s, focuses on an “all-of-the-above” approach that seeks to harness nuclear, natural gas, renewables, and new energy sources.

Governor Youngkin’s plan outlines the increase in nuclear energy as a key part of the Commonwealth’s objective to become a world leading nuclear innovation hub. 

“I am thrilled that the 2022 Virginia ...

On September 12, 2022, the West Virginia Legislature passed a groundbreaking piece of legislation that is paving the way for the energy future of many industrial and manufacturing projects in the state, as well as for alternative energy companies interested in the Mountain State.

The legislation, Senate Bill 4001, establishes the Certified Industrial Business Expansion Development Program (“the Program”) and grants the Department of Economic Development (“DED”) the authority to administer the Program. Under the Program, DED may certify high impact industrial ...

The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022 (the “CHIPS Act”) was signed into law by President Biden on August 9, 2022. Bowles Rice attorney Marc Mignault lays out the advanced nuclear energy technologies provisions it includes.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), touted and proposed by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), the government would provide much needed and sought-after relief and incentives for nuclear energy. 

Existing Nuclear Power Plant Production Tax Credit 

The IRA’s Nuclear Production Credit for existing nuclear plants would be included in IRS Tax Code 45U.  The credit for existing nuclear plants starts with 3 cents ($0.03) multiplied by the kilowatt hours of electricity produced and sold by the plant. This credit is reduced if the 0.03 x kWh exceeds the “reduction amount” which is ...

Across the world many nations are looking to nuclear energy as a way to ensure energy security, lower energy prices, and decarbonize. Nuclear energy can be the key to energy security, and Appalachia can lead the way, remaining a vital part of America’s energy independence.

Anyone who has spent any time in the nuclear industry or supported nuclear energy has undoubtedly been met with common rebuttals which all spring from what is referred to as F.U.D. – Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. The common rebuttals which arise generally are concerns around spent nuclear fuel, major accidents, and radiation. Here I will look to address each in turn to discuss some facts on each, why fears are overblown, and how understanding each can lead to the rational conclusion that nuclear energy is safe and should be embraced for its many benefits which overwhelmingly outweigh these exaggerated concerns.

Here in West Virginia, in recent years elected officials, development officials, business leaders and many others have quickly adopted and advanced an “all of the above” strategy in terms of power generation, building on our history of excellence in the production and transmission of power, and embracing new forms of power generation.

To this expanding menu of power generation sources, we can and should add nuclear energy. Doing so will capitalize on our existing and remarkable power generation and transmission infrastructure and create jobs and opportunities for West Virginians for decades to come.