U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), who co-chair the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, have introduced a resolution to designate December 2, 2025, as World Nuclear Energy Day. The move aims to highlight advancements in nuclear energy technologies and emphasize the role of nuclear power in supporting both the U.S. economy and global energy reliability.
“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.”
Warner added, “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. 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.”
The resolution has support from several senators including 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 is significant for two reasons: on this date in 1942, scientists demonstrated the world’s first self-sustaining controlled nuclear chain reaction; on December 2, 1957, operations began at the world’s first commercial nuclear power plant in the United States.
The Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus focuses on highlighting nuclear energy’s importance within the country, exploring new technologies, and promoting priorities for U.S. industry.
In May 2025, President Trump signed four executive orders aimed at strengthening America’s nuclear industrial base by accelerating advanced technology deployment for national security purposes, streamlining testing processes at Department of Energy sites, and modernizing oversight by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
John Wagner, director of Idaho National Laboratory stated: “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.”
Maria Korsnick, president and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute commented: “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.”
