ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 3, 2025) — Two legislative proposals in Maryland are set to expedite the construction of nuclear power plants to address energy generation shortfalls amid heightened green energy initiatives.
The Decarbonization Infrastructure Act, sponsored by State Sen. Benjamin Brooks, seeks to amend the state's renewable energy guidelines to include nuclear power as a legitimate clean energy source. Sen. Brooks emphasized the need for reliable energy, stating, "Nuclear energy, on average, operates 92% of the time," compared to wind and solar systems.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, nuclear facilities demonstrate nearly three times the reliability of wind and solar technologies. In contrast, natural gas and coal plants operate at about half the reliability of nuclear.
Brooks noted concerns regarding the rapid decommissioning of fossil fuel plants, asserting, "If we are going to take 1,300 megawatts offline, then we should be putting 1,300 megawatts online." He advocates for nuclear energy as a necessary solution to sustain energy demand.
In parallel, the ENERGIZE Maryland Act, introduced by Governor Wes Moore, aims to redefine "renewable energy" in state law as "clean energy," establishing a regulatory framework for nuclear power plant approvals. Notably, the year 2035, a target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, is not referenced in the bill.
Critics, including Jorge Aguilar from Food and Water Watch, express concerns over nuclear energy's safety and waste disposal. However, Sen. Brooks reassures that modern nuclear technologies, referred to as Gen4, incorporate enhanced safety features, stating, "They will shut down before they melt down."
As Maryland navigates its energy future, Brooks remains focused on reducing residential energy costs while advocating for nuclear energy as a key component of the state's energy landscape.