Three Mile Island seeks a new chapter in nuclear energy

Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island plant, site of the 1979 nuclear meltdown, is set to resume operation as Constellation Energy partners with Microsoft to meet rising electricity demands.

Rebecca F. Elliott reports for The New York Times.

In short:

Constellation Energy plans to restart the undamaged reactor at Three Mile Island by 2028 with Microsoft committed to purchasing its electricity for 20 years.
This revival signals a shift as tech giants back nuclear energy to meet increasing power needs while aiming to decarbonize.
Financial and logistical challenges remain, as the nuclear industry faces high costs, past delays, and regulatory complexities.

Key quote:

“It’s an industry with a really substantial burden of proof based on all of the disappointments — all of the very expensive disappointments.”

— Peter A. Bradford, former Nuclear Regulatory Commission member

Why this matters:

With U.S. energy demands on the rise, nuclear power presents a low-carbon option amid growing climate concerns. However, its success depends on overcoming historical setbacks, addressing waste storage challenges and ensuring projects meet budget, safety and timeline goals.

www.nytimes.com

Three Mile Island seeks a new chapter in nuclear energy

Heat waves scramble disease risks in ways we’re just starting to understand

As Senate weighs wind and solar rollbacks, a look at how the GOP megabill threatens clean energy growth

Trump’s plan to cancel high-speed rail funding fuels stronger Democratic push for California project

Trump blocks aging Michigan coal plant closure, igniting clash over clean energy rollback

Rising tides and outdated rules leave New Jersey shore towns vulnerable to flooding

Gas industry campaigns against California clean air rule meant to reduce home appliance pollution

Europe’s military climate goals fall short as nations ramp up defense spending

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.