As co-chairs of the Nuclear Energy Caucus, Rep. Mehaffie and I are introducing a resolution to recognize December 2, 2025, as “World Nuclear Energy Day” in Pennsylvania.
 
This date was chosen as the anniversary of the first human-made, self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction, which was initiated under the direction of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Enrico Fermi on December 2, 1942. This achievement paved the way for nuclear energy to power homes and businesses across the world. The first commercial nuclear reactor, in Shippingport, Beaver County, went critical on the same date, 15 years later.
 
Nuclear energy plays a crucial role in providing electricity to millions of American families. In Pennsylvania, four active nuclear power plants provide 9500 megawatts of emission-free energy. This amounts to 30% of all electricity generated in our state. A fifth plant, the Crane Clean Energy Center, is scheduled to restart operations in 2027. Nuclear power plants contribute $2 billion to the Pennsylvania economy, including nearly 16,000 direct and secondary full-time jobs. As we continue to pursue reliable sources of payload electricity to support the grid, we believe the clean, zero-emission energy produced by nuclear power must be part of the conversation.
 
Please join us in supporting the nuclear energy sector in our Commonwealth by cosponsoring this resolution.