Sens. Mark R. Warner (D., Va.) and Jim Risch (R., Idaho), cochairs of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, introduced the resolution, saying:
“Nuclear energy is critical to meeting U.S. and global energy demands. I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with my cochair 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,” Warner said.
“Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going. 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,” Risch said.
The Advanced Nuclear Caucus, launched in April by Risch and Warner, is a group specifically dedicated to amplifying the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States and exploring emerging advanced nuclear reactors.
History: 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 achieved with Chicago Pile-1 at the University of Chicago.
- December 2, 1957: The world’s first commercial nuclear plant, Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, reached criticality.
Now, nuclear advocates around the globe use the date to celebrate the virtues and benefits of nuclear energy, opening their shops for virtual and in-person tours; discussing new technologies; and working to include it in legislation at the local, regional, national, and international levels.
Lighting up the sky: The CN Tower in Toronto turned blue for World Nuclear Energy Day.
Bruce Power employee Sandy Wilson put in the request for the occasion, choosing the color to honor Cherenkov radiation, the blue glow that is perceptible when charged particles like neutrons are moving faster than the speed of light within a water moderator.
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