Nuclear Revolution: Powering the Next Generation

Skyrocketing energy prices are placing downward pressure on economic growth throughout the world. There seems to be no relief in sight, with hundreds of millions without access to reliable energy and with global energy consumption expected to grow by 50 percent over the next 30 years. Some would impose energy rationing―or in other words, slow human progress. But with nearly 46 percent of the world's population living on less than $5.50 per day, slowing human progress is unacceptable.

The only solution is more energy and lots of it. Jack Spencer, in his upcoming book, Going Nuclear: Reestablishing American Commercial Nuclear Dominance, argues that nuclear energy offers real answers to power our homes and industries, clean our air and water, and maybe even take us to Mars. However, we have been getting nuclear power wrong for decades. Skeptics say that nuclear energy is too expensive and threatens the world with the proliferation of nuclear weapons material and radioactive waste. Proponents say that nuclear power needs and deserves the support of the state and the taxpayer, cradle to grave.

The time has come, Spencer argues, to think big nuclear energy and pull it out of the time capsule that pop culture, environmental activists, lobbyists, peaceniks, and policymakers are all too content to leave nuclear in. Spencer writes that while the government-industry partnership that defined the early years of America's commercial nuclear rise was essential to the nation's security, reluctance to modernize that relationship has prevented the American nuclear industry from reaching its full potential.

In its place, Spencer offers an alternative that shatters how we think about nuclear energy policy and realigns the responsibilities of government and industry with the incentives that will drive America to success. Going Nuclear describes why government intervention in the nuclear industry is a problem, how to move from the status quo to something new, and why such reforms will kick off an era of nuclear entrepreneurship and innovation. Over 70 years ago, nuclear energy entered the scene with great promise. Now more than ever, the world needs that promise delivered, and America can lead the way.

Jack Spencer is a senior research fellow for energy and environmental policy, specializing in domestic and international nuclear energy policy, in the Center for Energy, Climate, and Environment at the Heritage Foundation. Spencer publishes on numerous issues relating to nuclear energy and is Heritage’s go-to expert on nuclear waste management, technological advances, nuclear fuel, industry subsidies, and international approaches to nuclear energy. He also hosts the weekly Heritage Foundation–produced podcast The Power Hour, where he interviews top guests on energy and environment issues.

Spencer has testified before Congress on numerous occasions, including on nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear waste management, and the role of nuclear in America’s energy mix. He also testified before the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future on how to solve the country’s nuclear waste dilemma. Spencer oversaw the production of Powering America, a documentary film about the commercial nuclear energy industry, and served as a member of the Department of Energy landing team, working with career DOE staff to develop a departmental guide for incoming political leadership. Previously, Spencer oversaw research on a wide range of domestic economic and trade issues as vice president of the Institute for Economic Freedom at the Heritage Foundation. Prior to that, he served as director of the Roe Institute, where he spearheaded research initiatives on federal spending, taxes, regulation, energy, and the environment. He also served as a senior legislative analyst for Babcock & Wilcox, providing research, analysis, communications strategy, and outreach support for commercial nuclear power and navy nuclear programs.

He is a graduate of Columbia University.

Stephen Moore (born February 16, 1960) is an American conservative writer and television commentator on economic issues. He co-founded and served as president of the Club of Growth from 1999 to 2004. Moore is a former member of the Wall Street Journal editorial board. He worked at The Heritage Foundation from 1983 to 1987 and again since 2014. Moore advised Herman Cain's2012 presidential campaign and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.

Moore advocates tax cuts and supply-side economic policies. Moore's columns have appeared in outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and the Washington Times.