POLITICO Energy A nuclear renaissance? Lawmakers say yes. Reality says maybe.
Jul 15, 2025
Gloria Gonzalez, Deputy Energy Editor for POLITICO, sheds light on the rising bipartisan support for nuclear power amidst a divided energy landscape. She discusses why lawmakers are betting on nuclear energy despite ongoing challenges. Gloria explores regulatory hurdles and financial concerns, as well as the potential of advanced small modular reactors. Lastly, she addresses the impact of proposed budget cuts by House Republicans on energy and climate initiatives, revealing the critical need for reliable energy sources.
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Nuclear Power's Bipartisan Escape
- Nuclear power avoided partisan fights in Republicans' megalaw framing due to bipartisan agreement on its importance.
- Unlike wind, solar, or fossil fuels, nuclear largely escaped controversy and got quiet but solid support.
Streamlining Nuclear Permitting Efforts
- The Trump administration and Congress pushed to ease regulatory hurdles to expand nuclear.
- Streamlining permitting received bipartisan support but remains an ongoing challenge.
Nuclear's Financial and Technical Hurdles
- Financing new nuclear plants is a huge challenge because of high costs and previous cost overruns.
- Small modular reactors have potential but still face technical and regulatory uncertainties, and scaling down may reduce economies of scale.