WASHINGTON – $6 billion in subsidies approved as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, The Department of Energy Launched a programTuesday was the day to bail out owners and operators of nuclear power plants that are losing money. The bailout is the largest federal investment made in the United States’ history to save financially distressed nuclear reactors. The civil nuclear credit program accepts applications in sealed bids. The maximum award for the first year is $1.2 billion, but it could be lower.
In July 2021, President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package was being debated in Congress. U.S. PIRG and Environment America were among the Green Scissors alliance members. PanedNuclear credits are considered wasteful spending. U.S. PIRG Education Fund, Environment America Research & Policy Center and other consumer and environmental organizations submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy in March. They asked them to include safeguards and transparency to prevent corporate fraud.
Environment America Research & Policy Centers Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy was created in response to the Biden administration’s opening of the bidding processes Johanna NeumannThe following statement was made:
The civil nuclear credit program supports aging nuclear reactors, when taxpayer funds could be better used to build an efficient energy system that is primarily powered by renewable resources like solar and wind. It is disappointing to see uneconomical nukes in line for record-breaking subsidies, while common-sense energy efficiency programs like the Weatherization Assistance program got only a 1%. fractionAs much federal support as possible. Lawmakers Five statesAlready, ratepayer funds have bailed out nuclear plants that are aging to the tune of billions. As long as they’re fed, this industry will continue to feed.
U.S. PIRG Environment Campaigns Director Matt Casale said:
Billions of taxpayer dollars have been spent subsidizing nuclear power stations’ fuel, construction, accident liabilities, and operations. Now, they are being asked to help subsidize failing plants. The Department of Energy must scrutinize all requests for funding of reactors that are dangerous, dirty, or don’t deliver as part of the $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit program. If the best possible environmental outcome cannot be achieved without spending tax dollars to bailout a failing nuclear reactor plant, then tax dollars should not go there.