Gen. Stephen Cheney and Christine Whitman on Why We Should Export Nuclear Energy
ASP CEO BGen. Stephen Cheney, USMC (Ret.) and ASP Board Chairperson and Board member of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASE) Gov. Christine Whitman discussed the importance of exporting nuclear power in Fortune. Russia, and increasingly China, they argue, “view nuclear technology exports as a strategic tool to solidify long-term relations and influence and provide attractive financing for their nuclear energy business.” Without changes to U.S. policy, these two nations will dominate the international nuclear energy market.
However, they note that the United States could indeed close the gap with a more streamlined approval process – one that the Department of Energy plans to release soon. This, along with reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank, can allow the U.S. to effectively compete with the Russians.
Failure to do so risks giving Russia a greater foothold in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and more. In addition to competition, Cheney and Whitman also point out, “it is important that the best nuclear technology available is provided to the international market.” As such, U.S. involvement would not only bolster competition, but would ensure control and safety in countries that do not have industry experience.
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