Jefferson City News

Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, took the lead in a hearing focused on the "International Financing of Nuclear Energy."

During the hearing, Rep. Luetkemeyer emphasized the importance of clean nuclear power as a significant contributor to low-carbon electricity worldwide. He specifically mentioned the Callaway nuclear plant in his district, operated by Ameren, which produces clean nuclear power. Rep. Luetkemeyer stated, "Clean nuclear power, such as that produced back in my district at Ameren’s Callaway nuclear plant, accounts for over a quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity, and nearly 20 percent of all electricity in our country."

Highlighting the need for a fact-based approach to nuclear energy policy, Rep. Luetkemeyer expressed his satisfaction with the panel of witnesses, many of whom have engineering backgrounds. He stated, "If we want to find genuine solutions to promote national security through nuclear energy policy, it needs to be fact-based and free of outdated ideologies."

The hearing aimed to address the international financing of nuclear energy and its significance in promoting national security. The Republican-led Financial Services Committee has recognized the importance of countering Chinese financing of nuclear technologies abroad. In 2019, they established the China and Transformational Exports Program at the Export-Import Bank (EXIM). This program allows the Bank to offer competitive financing terms to counteract Chinese financing efforts.

Nuclear energy is widely acknowledged as one of the safest energy sources, even in comparison to other low-carbon options. Despite the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, one analysis has shown that the death rate associated with nuclear energy accidents and air pollution is lower than that for wind and hydropower.

The hearing chaired by Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer aimed to gather scientific expertise and explore international financing options for nuclear energy. By focusing on facts and avoiding outdated ideologies, the committee seeks to promote national security through effective nuclear energy policies.

Watch the full remarks of Congressman Luetkemeyer and the hearing proceedings [HERE].