Biden admin classifies uranium as a ‘critical mineral’
President Biden’s Energy Policy Neglects Nuclear Power, Despite Its Carbon-Free Benefits
President Joe Biden has set ambitious goals for the United States’ energy policy, aiming for a “100-percent clean electricity grid” by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, his administration continues to downplay the role of nuclear power in achieving these targets, despite its significant contribution to carbon-free electricity generation.
Nuclear power currently accounts for nearly 20 percent of the electricity produced in the United States, making it a key player in reducing carbon emissions. Yet, the Biden administration’s proposed budget cuts funding for nuclear power development, signaling a lack of support for this vital energy source.
“Nuclear power generates half the carbon-free electricity in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), but the Biden administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget request cuts nuclear power development by more than $210 million, or 12 percent, from this year’s $1.77 billion budget, and nearly $100 million from two years ago.”
This reduction in funding comes at a time when the United States is heavily reliant on foreign sources for uranium, the fuel used in nuclear power plants. Russia, in particular, supplies over 50 percent of the world’s nuclear fuel, including a significant portion used by American plants.
Recognizing the need to boost domestic uranium production, there have been legislative proposals to revive the uranium industry. The Nuclear Fuel Security Act, co-filed by Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso, allocates billions to improve uranium supply lines with a focus on domestic production. Additionally, Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers has proposed a bill to prohibit Russian uranium imports, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign sources.
Despite these efforts, the Department of the Interior (DOI) recently excluded uranium from the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) updated “critical minerals list.” This decision has raised concerns about the administration’s anti-mining agenda and its impact on domestic uranium development.
“The most recent confirmation that carbon-free nuclear power is not the carbon-free energy the administration supports is the exclusion of uranium by the Department of the Interior (DOI) from the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) updated ‘critical minerals list.'”
During a hearing on the USGS’s listing process, lawmakers questioned the exclusion of uranium and other critical minerals. The USGS Chief of Minerals Intelligence Research, Dr. Nedal Nassar, explained that the Energy Act of 2020 defines critical minerals as “non-fuel minerals,” which led to the exclusion of uranium. However, critics argue that this decision was politically motivated and not based on scientific analysis.
While the USGS’s critical minerals list does not include uranium, other government agencies, such as the Department of Energy (DOE), maintain separate lists that recognize its importance. The DOE’s Critical Materials Assessment identifies uranium as a critical mineral due to its role in energy technologies.
The exclusion of uranium and other critical minerals from the USGS’s list has raised concerns about the Biden administration’s focus on green energy and its potential impact on job creation and economic development. Critics argue that a comprehensive evaluation of critical minerals is necessary to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future for the United States.
What are the advantages of nuclear power in terms of carbon emissions reduction and energy reliability?
Enhance domestic uranium production and reduce reliance on foreign sources. However, despite the importance of securing a stable and independent uranium supply chain, the Biden administration has not shown a strong commitment to supporting these initiatives.
Beyond the issue of uranium supply, nuclear power offers numerous advantages in terms of carbon emissions reduction and energy reliability. Nuclear power plants produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants, making them a crucial component in the fight against climate change. Unlike renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, nuclear power provides a consistent and reliable baseload power supply, ensuring stable electricity access even during periods of low wind or sunlight.
In addition, nuclear power plants have a long lifespan and can operate for several decades, providing continuous carbon-free electricity generation throughout their operational life. This longevity and reliability make nuclear power a valuable asset in achieving President Biden’s ambitious clean energy goals.
Moreover, nuclear energy has a proven track record of safety, with stringent regulations and advanced technologies in place to prevent accidents and maintain security. The nuclear industry has made significant strides in improving the safety of its operations, learning from the past incidents such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
Despite these clear advantages, the Biden administration seems to be overlooking the potential of nuclear power in favor of renewable energy sources. While renewables play a crucial role in decarbonizing the energy sector, they alone are insufficient to meet the growing demand for electricity and provide a stable grid. Nuclear power complements renewable energy by offering a reliable and consistent baseload power supply, essential for maintaining grid stability.
Support for nuclear power should not be seen as a stand-alone agenda but as an integral part of a comprehensive clean energy strategy. While it is essential to invest in renewable energy development, neglecting nuclear power would be a significant oversight. A diversified mix of energy sources, including nuclear power, is essential for achieving a sustainable and carbon-free energy future.
The Biden administration should reconsider its stance on nuclear power and allocate the necessary resources to support its development. This includes investing in advanced nuclear technologies, enhancing domestic uranium production, and ensuring the long-term viability and safety of the existing nuclear power plants.
If President Biden truly aims to achieve his goals of a clean electricity grid and net-zero carbon emissions, nuclear power must be recognized as a valuable and necessary component of the United States’ energy policy. Neglecting nuclear power would not only hinder the nation’s progress towards a sustainable future but also overlook a significant source of carbon-free electricity generation.
It is crucial that the Biden administration reevaluates its energy policy and provides the support nuclear power deserves. By embracing nuclear power alongside renewable energy sources, the United States can truly lead the world in combating climate change while ensuring reliable and carbon-free electricity for its citizens.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
Physician's Choice Probiotics 60 Billion CFU - 10 Strains + Organic Prebiotics - Immune, Digestive & Gut Health - Supports Occasional Constipation, Diarrhea, Gas & Bloating - for Women & Men - 30ct
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate) - Supplement to Support Stress Relief, Sleep, Heart Health, Nerves, Muscles, and Metabolism* - with Magnesium Glycinate - 90 Capsules