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2020 SESSION


SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 60
Encouraging the advancement of nuclear energy research and the exploration of economic development opportunities related to nuclear energy.

 

Agreed to by the Senate, February 11, 2020
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 24, 2020

 

WHEREAS, Virginia supports private and public technological innovation and solutions to reduce carbon emissions, promote economic growth, and protect the environment for future generations; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has repeatedly been recognized as one of the best states in which to do business and has experienced consistent economic and population growth throughout the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, the growth of Virginia's economy is supported by an increasingly diverse energy portfolio, and it will need to continue to diversify in order to meet the goal of utilizing 100 percent carbon-free energy sources by 2050; and

WHEREAS, the Governor's announcement of Executive Order 43 specifically mentioned nuclear energy as one of the clean resources for the Commonwealth to utilize in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions; and

WHEREAS, advanced nuclear reactor technology has the potential to help meet Virginia's energy needs by providing a carbon-free energy source; and

WHEREAS, the engineering and design of advanced nuclear facilities can result in enhanced electricity reliability and public safety and contribute to economic development; and

WHEREAS, in addition to providing a source of safe, carbon-free power generation, research in nuclear technology can lead to advancements in medical science and help the Commonwealth better support the United States Navy at its shipyards; and

WHEREAS, the manufacturing and construction of advanced nuclear facilities and expansion of companies engaged in projects related to nuclear research and advanced nuclear manufacturing will facilitate job growth and economic development across all regions of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, nuclear technology can play a vital role in Virginia's efforts to become a national leader in clean energy and advanced technological research; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly supports market access to clean energy including that which is derived from advanced nuclear reactor facilities; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the advancement of nuclear energy research and the exploration of economic development opportunities related to nuclear energy be encouraged; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, requesting that the agency further disseminate copies of this resolution to its respective constituents so that they may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter.