TheNuclear Energy and National Security Coalition (NENSC)is pleased to provide its inaugural overview of the organization’s activities during 2024. Comprised of leading experts who recognize the essential benefits of a strong national nuclear energy enterprise to the continued national security of the U.S., NENSC is dedicated to achieving policies that ensure a robust U.S. nuclear energy enterprise.
From global nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation standards, to broader geopolitical influence, to energy security of the U.S. and its allies, nuclear energy plays an instrumental role in promoting U.S. national security interests. Nuclear energy is a critical element of global energy security, national security, and climate security.
NENSC RELAUNCH
In June, NENSC relaunched as an independent organization focused on bringing together preeminent national security experts to promote policies that bolster the U.S. nuclear energy sector, both domestically and internationally. The coalition’s relaunch comes at a critical juncture, with recent geopolitical developments such as Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
With its relaunch, NENSC endeavors to engage policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to advance its mission through advocacy and relevant programming.
NENSC LEADERSHIP AND EXPERT COUNCIL
NENSC is led by its Co-Chairs, Admiral Richard W. Mies, USN (Ret.) and Daniel Poneman, former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy. The Coalition is strongly supported by its Expert Council, which aims to emphasize the importance of nuclear energy to our fundamental national security interests at this critical time in history.
The NENSC Expert Council includes:
Chuck Hagel, Former Secretary of Defense
John Deutch, Former Deputy Secretary of Defense and CIA Director
Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, Former Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration
Richard Meserve, Former Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and President of Carnegie Institution for Science
Sherri Goodman, Former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Environmental Security
Susan Eisenhower, International Security and Energy Expert
Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, National Security Expert, Grammy winner, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee
Biographies and background Information on each of NENSC’s Expert Council members is available on the organization’s website. Additional members will be announced in the near future.
ENGAGEMENT
Since its relaunch, NENSC has actively focused on matters involving the nexus of U.S. national security and U.S. civil nuclear technology. NENSC endeavors to expand the awareness of nuclear energy’s role in supporting:
Climate security and energy security of the U.S. and its partners and allies
U.S. leadership on global nuclear nonproliferation, safety, and security matters
Wider geopolitical influence in the 30+ nations now planning or considering the development of nuclear energy for the first time
Robust infrastructure for U.S. defense nuclear needs
U.S. policy efforts to accelerate innovation in the domestic industry and other related issues such as relicensing, regulatory reform, and technology development
During 2024, NENSC laid critical groundwork to promote the policies necessary to advance these imperatives. Restoring U.S. global nuclear leadership requires leadership in Washington, DC. NENSC is committed to connecting trusted authorities on U.S. national security with policymakers, the media, and others critical to its mission.
NENSC policy engagement included contacting Congressional leadersto support the advancement of the “International Nuclear Energy Act” andfiling comments with Australia’s House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy on strengthening national security and energy independence through nuclear energy.
In November, NENSC hosted a webinaron “The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Evolving National Security Landscape,” during which a panel of experts explored the critical intersection of nuclear energy and national security.
In December, NENSC applauded the release of a reportfrom the Commission on Nuclear Energy and American Leadership (CNEAL), which details recommendations for the incoming Trump Administration on ways to secure and grow the benefits that nuclear energy can provide while minimizing its risks. Many of CENAL’s commissioners are engaged with NENSC’s efforts through its Expert Council.
Finally, throughout the year, NENSC published a monthly newsletter to keep policymakers, stakeholders, and others interested in these important and timely issues apprised of developments.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress begin their work in 2025, NENSC will implement a robust strategy to build on its initial efforts, including increased advocacy with policymakers, organizing events to convene industry and stakeholder experts, and amplified engagement with media. Please contact NENSC by clicking on the appropriate link below if you are interested in receiving updates or providing feedback on proposed topics of focus.
