CATF Statement: Union of Concerned Scientists Report on Climate Benefits of Existing Nuclear Fleet

CATF welcomes UCS’s report on the role of nuclear energy in protecting our climate, which is the latest in a series of studies from energy system experts, governments and advocacy organizations including nuclear in the climate solution set. We need to minimize carbon emissions today — since every carbon molecule we emit will warm for centuries — and we need to move to a zero-carbon energy system as soon as we can using all options. As the report shows, our existing nuclear plants are essential for the first task as they provide about 60 percent of the nation’s carbon-free electricity — and to address the second task they provide a potential base for future expansion of nuclear energy, utilizing the most recent technology and construction techniques.