Publications: Commentary

Division on Biden’s Clean Energy Fission

The world is betting on the Biden administration to do something serious about climate change. But it seems to be sending mixed signals on one of the most significant zero-carbon energy sources in the clean energy arsenal, nuclear power. A new report from the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council (WHEJAC) notes that “the procurement…
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A Small FIRST Step

Buried deep within a White House clean energy Fact Sheet is the announcement of a new U.S. program to support the export of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). It is a useful initiative but a wholly insufficient placeholder for the comprehensive nuclear competitiveness strategy that the U.S. urgently needs. The Foundational Infrastructure for the Responsible Use of…
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Climate Revelry and Carbon Reduction Realities

Climate ambition is in bloom this Spring at the virtual climate summit. Global carbon reduction commitments are climbing. America again is leading. Unfortunately, this well-worn form of international political performance masks the grinding realities of actually achieving the promised carbon cutbacks. There is little doubt that no deep carbon reductions will occur without ambitious governmental commitments. But the issue is…
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A Decade of Delivery

The U.S. has become a deeply unserious nation in danger of losing its preeminent global role to China. This is the caustic evaluation of commentator and comedian, Bill Maher. When parody presents the most prescient insights into impending policy failure, it’s probably worth at least considering a course correction.   The consequences of continuing on the…
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