FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2025
Contact:
Madison Hardy
Janessa Tolman
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, today introduced a resolution to designate December 2, 2025, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The resolution celebrates the development of nuclear energy technologies and underscores the vital role of nuclear power in strengthening the U.S. economy and supporting a reliable energy grid worldwide.
“Nuclear energy is America’s creation and will be essential to powering our nation’s future,” said Risch. “I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with Senator Warner and recognize the incredible advancements the United States, and particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy.”
“The U.S. is a long-time leader in the nuclear energy sector, and it’s vital that we continue driving progress and innovation in order to meet our energy demands at home and abroad,” said Warner. “I’m thrilled to be celebrating World Nuclear Energy Day and all the folks who play a role in the U.S.’s nuclear energy advancements with my co-chair Senator Risch.”
Risch and Warner are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Husted (R-Ohio), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).
December 2nd marks two significant milestones in the advancement of nuclear energy:
- December 2, 1942 – the world’s first self-sustaining, controlled nuclear chain reaction was demonstrated.
- December 2, 1957 – the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant began operations in the United States.
The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus amplifies the critical role nuclear energy plays in the United States, explores emerging nuclear technologies, and promotes the goals and priorities of the U.S. nuclear industry.
In May 2025, President Trump signed four executive orders to strengthen the American nuclear industrial base, expedite deployment of advanced nuclear technologies for national security, streamline testing on Department of Energy sites, and modernize the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“Nuclear energy stands as one of humanity’s greatest scientific and engineering achievements, transforming how we power our world and envision our future. From the first controlled chain reaction to the advanced technologies we’re developing today, nuclear power continues to improve lives, strengthen national security, and safeguard our planet. I commend Senators Risch and Warner for honoring this legacy of innovation and reaffirming our shared commitment to using the atom for peace, prosperity, and the betterment of humankind,” said John Wagner, director, Idaho National laboratory.
“NEI joins Senators Risch and Warner in recognizing World Nuclear Energy Day. The commercial nuclear energy industry is proud of the role we will play in meeting the growing global demand for clean and reliable energy. The U.S. is home to the world’s largest fleet of nuclear reactors and is the incubator of next generation technology. We applaud the bipartisan support in Congress and its work to advance policies that will allow the U.S. to continue to be recognized as the world leader in nuclear technology and the solutions we provide to countries around the globe,” said Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute.
About Jim Risch
Jim Risch proudly represents the people of Idaho in the United States Senate. He currently chairs the Foreign Relations Committee and sits on the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Risch previously served as Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and State Senator. For the latest press releases and constituent services visit risch.senate.gov.
