A few days ago, I returned from a trip to Chicago to Co Chair the National Conference of State Legislatures, Nuclear Legislative Work Group spring meeting on July 8-9.

The purpose of these meetings is to provide legislative members with the opportunity to learn about nuclear energy and related policy activity around the country. The group brings together the nuclear energy industry, government, and nonprofit professionals to foster communication with legislators and through these efforts, NLWG members help guide NCSL policies that serve as the basis for NCSL’s advocacy before the federal government on behalf of state legislators.

We met and discussed nuclear energy in Illinois, legislative approaches to nuclear energy, environmental justice in nuclear energy, and the nuclear energy workforce. The day was filled with useful information that I brought back to Washington. 

The day ended with small roundtable discussions on supply chain considerations and the role of nuclear power in state energy and economic development. 

As co-chair of the Nuclear Legislative Work Group, I am committed to advancing our understanding and implementation of nuclear energy policies that can drive both environmental sustainability and economic growth. The discussions in Chicago provided invaluable insights that will help shape our legislative efforts in Washington State.

The following day, the group had the opportunity to tour the Argonne National Lab.

The Argonne lab is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center where scientists and engineers work together to answer some of the biggest questions facing humanity, from how to obtain affordable clean energy to how to protect ourselves and our environment.

Touring the Argonne National Laboratory was a highlight of the trip. Witnessing firsthand the groundbreaking research and technological innovations being developed to tackle some of humanity’s biggest challenges, including clean energy and environmental protection, was truly inspiring.