IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Henson Discusses Nuclear Energy and Climate with U.S. Secretary of Energy

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm attended a virtual meeting of the AFL-CIO Executive Council Energy Committee on Thursday to discuss labor’s priorities for developing new clean power sources, creating jobs, and growing the labor movement.

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson led the conversation about investing in nuclear energy, both as a primary source of electricity and as a supporting source for other clean energy initiatives such as hydrogen hubs.  Secretary-Treasurer Henson also highlighted the decades-long relationship that labor has with the nuclear industry, the most highly unionized in the energy sector, saying, “With nuclear, we already have an industry partner that’s on the field and ready to engage with labor, as opposed to some renewable energy industries that are still deciding if they even want to play.” 

Granholm enthusiastically endorsed Henson’s support for nuclear, noting that TVA is slated to bring the first small modular reactor (SMR) online, which will then serve as a model for the country.  Granholm also raised the challenge created by the  “giant energy suck” of electrifying the grid supporting other new technologies, stating that the U.S. will not be able to meet this increased demand without expanding nuclear. 

After the meeting, Henson recognized the leadership of AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Energy Committee Chair Cecil Roberts and the work they’ve done to ensure that the labor moment is ready to seize the opportunities and fulfill its responsibilities in the fight against global warming.  “Liz and Cecil bring their experience of creating jobs in the energy sector to their leadership roles at this critical moment,” Henson said.  “And IFPTE looks forward to being part of the labor team that advances their all-of-the-above clean energy strategy, including a renewed emphasis on the proven benefits of nuclear, both in terms of creating jobs for today’s union workers and leaving a better environment for future generations.”