WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced a resolution in the Senate to designate today, December 2, 2024, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution celebrates the peaceful development of nuclear energy technology and underscores the vital role of nuclear power in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable energy grid worldwide.

“Nuclear energy is critical to meeting U.S. and global energy demands,” Sen. Warner said. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with my co-chair Sen. Risch to celebrate the advancement of the U.S. nuclear energy industry and highlight the importance of building on the progress we have made.”

“Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going,” Sen. Risch said. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with Senator Warner and acknowledge the incredible advancements the United States, and particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy.”

Sens. Warner and Risch are joined by U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Braun (R-IN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) in introducing the resolution.

Historically, December 2 marks two significant turning points in the advancement of nuclear energy:

• December 2, 1942 – the world’s first self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated.
• December 2, 1957 – the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in the United States.

The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States, explores emerging nuclear technologies, and promotes the goals and priorities of the U.S. nuclear industry.

###