By Rep. Tom Mehaffie
106th Legislative District
The future of American energy begins right here in Pennsylvania. From coal to gas to nuclear, the Keystone State has long driven America’s energy story. As global competition intensifies and energy demands continue to rise, now is the time to double down on what works.
Nuclear power is the most reliable form of energy in the world. Unlike wind or solar, it doesn’t depend on the weather; it operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In an era when global conflicts and supply chain instability threaten our energy security, nuclear power offers a domestic solution that’s safe, steady, and scalable.
It’s for these reasons that our adversaries China and Russia are pouring billions of dollars into nuclear innovation, not just for their own use but also to dominate the nuclear export market. If we don’t act now, the U.S. risks falling further behind in this geopolitical race.
Energy tax credits passed in recent years are leveling the playing field for nuclear energy. These incentives aren’t just helping to restart plants, they are restarting communities. They’re creating jobs, ensuring a stable power grid and building a more resilient energy infrastructure. This isn’t just about one plant or one community. Investing in nuclear energy is investing in American energy independence and national security.
For communities like mine in southern Dauphin County, investing in nuclear energy is more than a good idea. It’s transformational. Restarting our Three Mile Island facility will bring hundreds of direct, high-paying jobs back to the area and thousands more indirectly. This project will generate over $3.6 billion in tax revenue over its lifetime. This project is a lifeline for our economy, and Dauphin alone will see nearly $11 billion in economic activity over the next two decades because of it.
As representative for the 106th District, I’ve seen how energy projects impact communities. When Three Mile Island Unit 1 shut down in 2019, we didn’t just lose a power plant. We lost good jobs, we took a hit to our local economy and hurt our energy independence. I’ve always said shutting it down was a mistake, and with the opportunity to restart it, we see how crucial that decision is for the future of our region.
This isn’t just about replacing what we lost. This is about Pennsylvania seizing its place as a leader in 21st-century energy and showing the rest of the nation that smart, long-term investments can strengthen our economy and our national security. Microsoft has already signed on to purchase 100% of the power from the new Crane Clean Energy Center because it understands nuclear energy’s reliability. These are the kinds of partnerships that put Pennsylvania back on the map and send a message to the rest of the world: we are open for business.
Pennsylvania’s economy is expanding rapidly, driven by industries like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy. As these sectors grow, so does the demand for clean, reliable, and affordable power. Data centers alone could consume nearly 9% of total U.S. electricity in the coming years. Without a stable energy supply, we risk losing jobs, companies, and our competitive edge.
Federal support for nuclear energy is a game-changer. It helps keep reliable baseload power on the grid, supports the restart of critical facilities like Three Mile Island, and lays the groundwork for next-generation nuclear technologies. I appreciate U.S. Rep. John Joyce for recognizing how dependable energy is essential to driving advancements in artificial intelligence. I am also encouraged by U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser’s advocacy against repealing the nuclear tax credit, rightly calling it a mistake. As he said, nuclear engergy provides the stable, around-the-clock power needed to support growing demand from AI and data centers. These incentives are about energy security, economic competitiveness, and keeping Pennsylvania workers at the forefront of powering America’s future.
And let’s be clear: the nuclear industry provides good jobs. They’re high-wage, union-backed and career-sustaining. From welders to engineers, we have the workforce to fill them. These are the kinds of jobs that keep families in our communities, create long-term stability, and fuel our local economy. Pennsylvania is already home to 71 companies in the nuclear supply chain, each playing a critical role in supporting the industry.
The restart of Three Mile Island’s Unit 1, now the Crane Clean Energy Center, is just the beginning. With continued federal support and the smart, long-term investments we’re making in nuclear energy, Pennsylvania will lead the way in power generation for decades to come.
If we want to bring jobs back, lower energy bills and maintain America’s energy dominance, nuclear energy must be part of the plan. Pennsylvanians understand this. It’s why 7 out of 10 residents support the continued use of nuclear energy.
We led the country in producing key products like coal, steel and natural gas. Now we have the opportunity to lead the nuclear resurgence. We have the tools, the talent, and the will to finish the job.
What begins here in Pennsylvania won’t just power our cities and towns. It will power the future of America.
Rep. Tom Mehaffie is a Dauphin County Republican.
Source: Berkshire mont
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