In a surprising twist, Democratic governors are aligning with former President Donald Trump on expanding nuclear energy, despite their usual disagreements on energy policy. This shift highlights a growing trend where nuclear power is gaining traction among Democratic leaders as a viable option for meeting energy demands.
Governors Kathy Hochul of New York, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, and JB Pritzker of Illinois are spearheading initiatives to encourage nuclear development. Their motivations diverge from Trump’s, whose plan to add 10 new reactors is not driven by climate concerns. Nonetheless, the result is a newfound embrace of nuclear energy by Democratic officials, which seemed improbable just a few years ago.
“Nuclear power will provide clean, reliable energy at scale for generations to come and meet our growing energy demands,” Sherrill stated in a recent press release.
The push towards nuclear energy is partly circumstantial. With an increasing demand for electricity, particularly from data centers, governors across the political spectrum are exploring nuclear power as a solution. Some Democrats view it as a means to meet energy demand while still pursuing carbon emission reduction goals. However, challenges in scaling renewable energy and reduced federal funding for clean energy projects are influencing this shift.
States like Illinois are optimistic about nuclear power’s potential. Illinois, part of the nation’s largest power market, PJM Interconnection, faces rising energy demand outpacing new power projects. In response, Pritzker has signed an executive order to strengthen the state’s already substantial nuclear fleet.
In New Jersey, a bill signed by Sherrill last month aims to add over a gigawatt of nuclear generation by 2028. Meanwhile, Hochul in New York targets 5 GW of new nuclear power by 2040.
This trend isn’t limited to individual states. Six New England governors, including four Democrats, have endorsed a joint statement supporting existing nuclear plants and exploring advanced nuclear technologies. In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer backs efforts to build small modular reactors at the Palisades nuclear plant site.
Political scientist Barry Rabe from the University of Michigan notes the impact of federal support for nuclear power in swaying Democratic interest. “From a political economy standpoint, if you’re Pritzker or any of the other governors, that’s probably attractive,” said Rabe.
Public opinion is also shifting. A 2025 Gallup poll revealed that 46% of Democrats support nuclear energy, up from 34% in 2016. The Nuclear Energy Institute reports that 14 governors expressed support for nuclear power in their state addresses this year, a record number.
Reversal of Fortune
Nuclear energy’s resurgence marks a stark turnaround from recent years, where it lost ground to affordable wind and gas. Reactors faced early decommissioning, and scandals in Ohio and South Carolina tarnished its reputation.
However, Illinois saw nuclear subsidies transform into bill credits for customers under 2021 legislation. Pritzker, who vetoed a bill lifting a moratorium on new nuclear plants in 2023, later signed legislation repealing the ban and issued an executive order to expand the state’s nuclear capacity.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, a Republican, recognizes the changing economic landscape as a driving factor. “My colleagues across the country are seeing that the demand is increasing for energy and they’re very cognizant of making sure that we try to keep the price down,” Rezin commented.
Lingering Concerns
Despite the momentum, anti-nuclear activists express concerns about economic and environmental impacts, questioning state leaders’ decisions amidst regulatory changes under Trump’s administration.
California’s Gavin Newsom remains a notable holdout, recently stating he won’t extend the life of the Diablo Canyon plant.
Unions, however, are optimistic about job creation prospects if nuclear energy gains traction. In Minnesota, a study is underway to assess new nuclear generation, supported by a coalition of businesses and labor groups.
Kevin Pranis of the Laborers’ International Union of North America notes a generational shift in public opinion, with younger Americans more open to nuclear power as they view climate change as a significant threat. “You have lawmakers and policy advocates who really kind of cut their teeth in anti-nuclear protests in the ’70s, and younger generations that don’t have that same-they don’t have those same associations,” Pranis said.
Original Story at www.eenews.net