TN Governor aims for state to lead in nuclear energy.

Tennessee Aims to Lead in Nuclear Energy

Tennessee, home to the Manhattan Project and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is striving to become the national leader in nuclear energy. Governor Bill Lee recently signed an executive order to promote and invest in “safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy” in the state. The order establishes the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and creates a $50 million fund to attract nuclear industry companies to the state.

Lee’s Vision for Tennessee

In his January address, Governor Lee made nuclear energy a priority, proposing the $50 million fund to establish “a nuclear development and manufacturing ecosystem built for the future of Tennessee.” Lee believes that Tennessee’s legacy, resources, and potential make it the ideal state to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean, and reliable nuclear energy.

Nuclear’s Role in Economic Development

Lee believes that nuclear energy will be key to Tennessee’s future and economy. He mentioned that Tennessee is home to four major automotive manufacturers, including GM, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Ford. Ford recently chose Tennessee’s Memphis megasite for their new “Blue Oval City” production site, which will be the largest Ford facility in the world. Lee believes that electricity is essential in attracting and keeping businesses, and nuclear power is a crucial component of Tennessee’s energy strategy.

Building a Skilled Workforce

Lee emphasized the importance of education in increasing the nuclear energy field in Tennessee. The state has invested in middle and high school Career Technical Education courses, state career and technical colleges, and partnerships with the Oak Ridge National Lab and the University of Tennessee to generate a skilled workforce.

The Council’s Role

The Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council will analyze potential barriers to establishing an advanced nuclear industry in the state and promote safe, clean, and reliable nuclear energy as a crucial aspect of Tennessee’s conservation strategy. The council will include representatives from government, higher education, workforce development, local government, and the utility and nuclear industries.

• Tennessee aims to become the national leader in nuclear energy
• Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order to promote and invest in “safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy” in the state
• The order establishes the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council and creates a $50 million fund to attract nuclear industry companies to the state
• Nuclear energy is a crucial component of Tennessee’s energy strategy for economic development
• The state has invested in education to generate a skilled workforce for the nuclear industry
• The council will analyze potential barriers to establishing an advanced nuclear industry in the state and promote safe, clean, and reliable nuclear energy

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