Leaves looking on to lake with power plant in the distance

Policy

We believe we can have clean energy that works for the world. Our goal is to research and build the vision to support nuclear energy as a climate solution. Read our policy reports to explore our ideas about how.
FAQ: RECYCLING NUCLEAR WASTE / NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE / Graphic showing recycling process of nuclear fuel /

FAQ: Recycling Nuclear Waste

Cleo explains the mechanics of recycling and weighs the benefits against the challenges.
Policy Memo
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October 12, 2023
Featured Posts

Panel Discussion: Next Generation Leadership in Nuclear Energy Policy (Video)

Jackie speaks on a panel at the inaugural Nuclear Energy Policy Summit in New York City.
Talks
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September 18, 2023

Public Comment: Creating New Community Engagement Infrastructure: Recommendations to DOE

These recommendations are in response to the Department of Energy's open RFI re: Input on Potential Office of Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Areas for Competitive Opportunities
Letter
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August 28, 2023

Your Good Energy Can Make a Difference This Giving Tuesday!

Your support allows us to continue our crucial work: championing effective climate policies, engaging communities, and pushing for sustainable energy solutions.
Good News
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Nov 27, 2023

Policy Letter: Calling on the NRC to Issue a Policy Statement on Effective Reactor Licensing

"A Commission policy statement aligned on these standards would result in predictable and effective licensing practices that enable the growth of the [industry]..."
Letter
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Nov 14, 2023

Policy Letter: Urging Congress to Encourage the EPA to Update High-Level Nuclear Waste Disposal Regulations

"[T]he current standard for the safe, permanent disposal of high-level nuclear waste, 40 CFR Part 191, should be updated and harmonized with international practices..."
Letter
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Nov 2, 2023
Image of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC

Progressive Climate Policies Won the Day Last Cycle. Mainstream Democrats Should Take Note.

Jackie and Jessica dive into the long-lasting impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on climate policy and electoral dynamics.
Blog
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Aug 24, 2023

Report Launch: The Imperative of the Versatile Test Reactor for Nuclear Innovation (Video)

Jackie speaks at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center panel about the report she co-authored with Khalil.
Talks
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Jul 13, 2023
cityscape

Reverse Robin Hood: Clean Energy Policy Impacts on Energy Equity and Grid Reliability in California

Cleo looks at California’s experience with implementing clean energy policies and analyzes the unintended consequences.
Policy Report
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Jun 24, 2023
Drawing of two people shaking hands in the middle of an atom

State of Play: Atomic Diplomacy

Khalil gives an overview of post-World War II international cooperation on nuclear energy.
State of Play
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Jun 22, 2023

Policy Letter: Supporting the Request of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition to Establish the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument

Jackie and Cleo wrote to the Biden administration in support of designating the 1 million acres of land as a national monument.
Letter
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Jun 22, 2023
two women standing in front of sign with logos of conferences cosponsors

Good Energy Reflects: ECA Nuclear Development Forum

“It’s easy for us to talk about the coal-to-nuclear transition from Washington, D.C. It’s another thing to live in a coal community and look out toward an uncertain future.”
On the Road
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May 30, 2023
JCFP

Justice Champions Fellowship Program

Along with our partners, we are proud to launch this undergraduate fellowship program for current HBCU students.
Good News
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May 24, 2023
A Conversation on Nuclear Disarmament/ Featuring Dr. Vincent Intondi/ Author of "Saving the World from Nuclear War"

Video: A Conversation on Nuclear Disarmament (feat. Dr. Vincent Intondi)

A virtual author talk on the history and state of play of nuclear disarmament
Events
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May 15, 2023
The imperative is clear: Congress must reverse course and resume robust year-on-year funding toward the VTR project...

The Imperative of the Versatile Test Reactor for Nuclear Innovation

Jackie and Khalil explain why we need to build the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR), a research reactor that would stimulate U.S. innovation and deepen global partnerships.
Policy Report
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May 4, 2023
photo of Khalil Ryan and Cleo Schroer in front of a 2023 MIT Energy Conference sign

Good Energy Reflects: 2023 MIT Energy Conference

Khalil and Cleo discuss their experiences at the 2023 MIT Energy Conference.
On the Road
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Apr 19, 2023

Public Comment: Response to the U.S. Department of Energy Request for Information on the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI)

"[A]s a potential FESI stakeholder, we take interest in ensuring that the establishment of FESI achieves its mission..."
Letter
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Apr 17, 2023
a dome surrounded by tree cover and sand

State of Play: Nuclear Weapons Testing

Khalil and Cleo examine the impact and legacy of nuclear weapons testing.
State of Play
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Apr 5, 2023
First page of a slide deck that reads "Nuclear Power: Our Most Valuable Climate Solution?"

Good Energy Reflects: SXSW 2023

"I left the conference admiring the young activists I met who are innovating daily on how best to reach, communicate with, and organize their peers."
On the Road
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Mar 30, 2023
Good Energy Collective -- Our Collective Thoughts

Good Energy Reflects: Women in Energy Who Inspire Us

We believe that their stories are an inspiration to all of us, and we hope that you will join us in celebrating their achievements.
Our Collective Thoughts
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Mar 28, 2023

In Response to CounterPunch's Opinion Piece “Nuclear Guinea Pigs: NRC’s Licensing of Experimental Nuclear Plants”

"[C]alling willing and participating communities 'guinea pigs' isn’t fair to areas that see real opportunities in the creation of new nuclear."
Blog
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Feb 11, 2023
Text available in post

NARUC Panel: Nuclear Energy: What Does the Public Think? (Video)

Jackie discusses support for maintaining existing nuclear plants at a National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners panel.
Talks
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Dec 21, 2022
Photo of the Capitol building.

Good Energy Reflects: The 2022 Midterm Elections

"It’s inspiring to see voters across our country rewarding the passage of monumental climate legislation in the midterms."
Blog
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Dec 19, 2022
Good Energy Collective -- Our Collective Thoughts

Good Energy Reflects: "Silkwood" and "The China Syndrome"

Our thoughts and impressions of two films with nuclear energy themes: "The China Syndrome" (1979) and "Silkwood" (1983).
Our Collective Thoughts
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Dec 15, 2022
Picture of nuclear fuel assembly, against map of the U.S.

State of Play: The Global Nuclear Fuel Supply

Khalil breaks down domestic and global issues surrounding nuclear energy's primary fuel: uranium.
State of Play
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Dec 14, 2022

Good Energy Reflects: International Youth Nuclear Congress 2022

Cleo reports on her experiences at IYNC 2022 in Koriyama, Japan.
On the Road
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Dec 6, 2022

Policy Letter: Designing and Implementing the Advanced Industrial Facilities Deployment Program

We joined the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in a letter to the Department of Energy.
Letter
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Dec 5, 2022
An illustration of a uranium mine.

State of Play: The Legacy of Uranium Mining on U.S. Tribal Lands

Ariel discusses the history and current realities of uranium mining on tribal lands.
State of Play
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Nov 17, 2022

Good Energy Reflects: Jessica Tours Japan with the Santa Fe Leadership Program

Jessica visited Japan and engaged with high-level decision-makers about their nuclear industry.
On the Road
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Nov 9, 2022

Public Comment: Implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)'s Clean Energy Tax Incentives

We joined the Environmental Defense Fund in a comment to the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of the Treasury.
Letter
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Nov 4, 2022

Who Represents Environmental Justice Communities?

Voters should make sure their reps are setting aside partisanship and advocating for policies that help ensure healthy communities for all.
Special Report
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Nov 3, 2022
Picture of march in New York City

Interim Nuclear Justice Roadmap

An illustration of our understanding of the concerns Americans have about nuclear energy and actions that can address them
Policy Memo
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Oct 31, 2022
On the left: woman standing in front of indigenous-themed banner; on the right: picture of banquet hall.

Good Energy Reflects: The Tribal Clean Energy Summit

Ariel reflects on the summit hosted by the Department of Energy and the National Conference of State Legislatures.
On the Road
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Oct 20, 2022
Two people with suitcases posing as they prepare to leave.

Good Energy Reflects: Global Clean Energy Action Forum

Our panel and participation at GCEAF was part of the launch of an international initiative called RISE3
On the Road
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Oct 19, 2022
An illustration of a uranium mine.

State of Play: Siting of Nuclear Projects

Cleo examines the history, policy, and industry actions that inform nuclear energy siting and models for community participation.
State of Play
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Oct 14, 2022

Good Energy Reflects: "Understanding the Societal Challenges Facing Nuclear Power"

A written discussion of a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2022 publication
Our Collective Thoughts
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Oct 5, 2022
Jackie Toth and her title Deputy Director, Good Energy Collective

NARUC Panel: Nuclear Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (Video)

Jackie discusses nuclear provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act at a National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners panel.
Talks
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Sep 26, 2022
A sign reading "Caution" with a radiation icon stands in a scrubby desert overlooking the Grand canyon mountain basin.

Sustainable and Ethical Uranium Mining: Opportunities and Challenges

An exploration of how global uranium mining practices can respect the environment and human rights while helping us achieve a low-carbon future
Policy Report
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Aug 31, 2022
Two persons' arms are visible, one person holding a pen and filling out a paper form on a table

The Power of Federal Grants to Support Community-Centered Adoption of Low-Carbon Energy

Grant-making at the Department of Energy can play an important role in supporting an equitable clean energy transition
Policy Memo
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Aug 31, 2022

Public Comment: Recommendations to the IWG on Mining Reform

We joined other organizations in comments to the Interagency Working Group on Mining Reform's RFI.
Letter
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Aug 30, 2022

State of Play: Nuclear Waste

One of the biggest concerns we hear about nuclear energy from progressives is, "what about the waste?" Cleo Schroer examines the issue.
State of Play
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Aug 28, 2022
Good Energy Collective Deputy Director Jackie Toth stands by a welcome reception sponsor sign

Good Energy Reflects: ECA Forum on Hosting New Nuclear Development

Jackie shares insights from a recent convening on siting nuclear projects.
On the Road
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Aug 15, 2022

Our Second Anniversary: Two Years of Building the Progressive Case for Nuclear Energy

We’ve come a long way, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our amazing Good Energy staff.
Blog
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Aug 11, 2022
Nuclear power plant near residential community

Host Communities and Nuclear Energy: Benefits for Some, Risks for Others

Cleo's analysis finds an inequitable spread in the benefits and risks of historical nuclear power projects in the United States.
Policy Memo
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Jun 29, 2022
Photo of Dr. Tommy Rock, post-doctoral researcher at Princeton University

Film Club: The Return of Navajo Boy

A recap of our discussion with Dr. Tommy Rock on the lasting impacts of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation
Blog
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May 10, 2022
Department of Energy sign surrounded by plants and flowering bushes

First-of-Its-Kind: Making DOE’s New Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations a Success

A new office in the Department of Energy holds immense promise for closing the gap for clean energy demonstrations.
Blog
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Apr 14, 2022
Group of panelists on Zoom

NIA Webinar: Fission Vision (Video)

Jessica speaks at the Nuclear Innovation Alliance's launch of its Fission Vision, a call to action to double U.S. nuclear energy production by mid-century.
Talks
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Apr 13, 2022
Climate protesters with signs, with one prominent sign reading "If Not Us Who? If Not Now When?" A pride flag is visible

What Does Environmental Justice for Nuclear Look Like?

If you're working on environmental justice and have thoughts on nuclear energy, we want to hear from you.
Good News
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Mar 8, 2022

Public Comment: Consent-Based Siting Process for Nuclear Waste Storage

Good Energy's response to the Request for Information on Using a Consent-Based Siting Process to Identify Federal Interim Storage
Letter
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Mar 4, 2022
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Edward Markey talk about the Green New Deal surrounded by lawmakers

Can Nuclear Energy Jobs Power a Just Transition?

Guest analysts assess nuclear's ability to bridge the gap between labor unions and Green New Deal supporters
Guest Post
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Jan 19, 2022
Image promoting panel featuring a nuclear power plant

WV Rivers Coalition Panel: Feasibility of Advanced Nuclear in West Virginia (Video)

Jessica shares an overview of advanced nuclear energy as WV lawmakers consider lifting the state's restrictions against nuclear at a West Virginia Rivers Coalition convening.
Talks
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Jan 19, 2022
A coal-fired power plant and two railroads, one leading leftward and one leading rightward

Opportunities for Coal Communities Through Nuclear Energy: An Early Look

A policy report exploring where small modular reactor (SMR) technology could support environmental justice communities that relied on coal
Policy Report
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Dec 22, 2021
Four panelists on screen via Zoom

NIA Panel: The Future of the Versatile Test Reactor: A Key Player in the Nuclear Energy Innovation Ecosystem (Video)

Jackie talks about why the U.S. government should fund the Versatile Test Reactor project as a key pillar of the advanced nuclear ecosystem.
Talks
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Dec 9, 2021
Text: Small Modular Reactors: The Goal to Reach Net Zero

Toronto Global Forum Panel: Small Modular Reactors: The Goal to Reach Net Zero (Video)

Jessica discusses Good Energy's founding principles, nuclear energy financing policy needs, and siting challenges and opportunities.
Talks
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Nov 23, 2021

Public Comment: Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Environmental Justice Review

Good Energy's response to the NRC's Systematic Assessment of How It Addresses Environmental Justice
Letter
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Sep 3, 2021
The west side of the United States Capitol building on a sunny day with clouds

We Need a Clean Energy Standard with Nuclear

As Congress nears a peak in negotiations over a federal Clean Energy Standard, lawmakers should make sure to include nuclear energy.
Blog
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Jul 29, 2021
The title of the memo in white letters over red-shaded electric transformers and clouds

Voters Support Community Ownership and Federal Investments in Advanced Nuclear Energy

Good Energy and Data for Progress polled likely voters in the United States on their thoughts about advanced nuclear energy.
Policy Memo
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Jul 23, 2021
Grassy valley scene with a winding path that reads "Justice40 Initiative" leading to a group of outstretched arms in fists.

A Policy Pathway for Nuclear Justice 

To align the nuclear sector with the broader Justice40 initiative, federal policies should center communities and address past injustices
Policy Memo
|
Apr 27, 2021
A woman in an arm chair on a stage speaks into a microphone and addresses an (offscreen) audience.

Jennifer Granholm Set to Lead the Clean Energy Transition as Secretary of Energy

The former Michigan Governor supports advanced nuclear tech, environmental justice and cross-agency collaboration.
Good News
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Feb 25, 2021
Collage of Joe Biden and the U.S. Capitol Building foregrounded against a solar farm, wind farm, and small modular reactor.

What’s In Store for Nuclear in a Biden Administration

Jessica's keynote speech from the 2020 American Nuclear Society Annual Meeting
Special Report
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Dec 8, 2020

Webinar: Rethinking Nuclear Policy from the Ground Up (Carnegie Mellon University's Scott Institute for Energy Innovation)

Jessica gives her predictions on nuclear energy policy through the 2020 U.S. presidential election and recovery phases of COVID-19.
Talks
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Nov 5, 2020
Pedestrians at a busy street crossing in New York City.

It’s Time for a Social Science Agenda for the Advanced Nuclear Sector

Here’s what an incoming administration can do to kick things off
Policy Memo
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Oct 8, 2020
Solar panels on a roof with skyscrapers in the background.

Why We Need a Progressive Nuclear Agenda

And how a new kind of leadership paved the way for Good Energy Collective
Special Report
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Aug 2, 2020
Sketch of arctic village showing nuclear power plant and wind turbines in the background.

Microreactors for Microgrids?

Why nuclear technology might finally be a match for community-scale energy systems
Policy Paper
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Aug 2, 2020
Icons representing the senate, industry, and the White House orbiting the Earth like neutrons around an atom.

Our Progressive Policy Agenda for Advanced Nuclear Energy

Recommendations for advanced nuclear technologies as part of the U.S. climate change response
Special Report
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Aug 2, 2020
Flier featuring Jessica Lovering, Rachel Slaybaugh, and Eric Rohlfing.

Duke U Panel: Advanced Nuclear Tech in a Decarbonized Energy Future: Feasible or Fantastical? (Video)

Jessica and Rachel discuss research and development underway on new designs for nuclear reactors that seek to completely change the paradigm.
Talks
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Jul 20, 2020
Good Energy Collective is a new policy research organization. We’re building the progressive case for advanced nuclear energy as part of the broader climate change agenda and working to align the clean energy space with environmental justice and sustainability goals.
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