Several Democratic candidates in significant Senate races are now openly supporting nuclear power, breaking away from the traditional stance of the left on this issue. In response to rising temperatures in Arizona, Ruben Gallego, the Democratic nominee for the state’s U.S. Senate seat, advocated for more nuclear power during a recent debate. Similarly, Elissa Slotkin, the Democratic candidate in Michigan, listed nuclear reactors as one of the energy sources she wants to invest in. Other Democratic candidates like Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Florida and Colin Allred in Texas have also expressed support for building more nuclear reactors.
Historically, left-of-center parties have opposed nuclear energy, while right-leaning parties have supported it. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the Democratic Party’s stance on nuclear power. Under the Obama administration, there was increased support for nuclear energy, leading to the establishment of programs to promote new reactor technologies. This support continued under the Trump administration, with bipartisan legislation passed to support next-generation reactor developers.
While the Fukushima accident in 2011 and the cancellation of the Yucca Mountain project contributed to a decline in support for nuclear power, recent polls show a resurgence in favor of nuclear energy. Both Democrats and Republicans are now backing the expansion of nuclear power, with the Biden administration directing funds towards researching and deploying new reactors.
Big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are also investing in nuclear power, with deals to reopen and build new reactors. This shift towards nuclear energy represents a significant change in the energy landscape and has the potential to transform the industry. Biden’s support for easing the permitting process for advanced reactors further highlights the changing perspectives on nuclear power among policymakers.
