There are a variety of unofficial holidays marking various climate and environmental causes. More traditional energy sources, including nuclear, are often overlooked when it comes to celebratory occasions.
That’s alright because nuclear energy is enjoying a rebirth. So much so the related stocks and exchange traded funds are reflecting as much. For example, the VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF (NLR) is up 30% year-to-date, giving investors reasons to cheer, even if there’s no official nuclear energy holiday.
Actually, that changed on Monday when U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), co-chairs of the Senate Advanced Nuclear Caucus, introduced a resolution to make December 2 World Nuclear Energy Day. It’s a symbolic gesture. However, it also underscores a point. More politicians from both sides of the aisle are backing nuclear expansion in the U.S.
NLR Could Benefit from Nuclear Policy Support
Among the reasons NLR has thrived in recent years is that more governments around the world are awakening to the fact that nuclear power is a credible form of clean energy despite its controversial past. Speaking of past controversies, politicians and even some renewable energy supporters are focused more on nuclear power’s future than its past.
That future includes being a cost-effective, reliable source of clean energy and a staple power source for technology companies looking to execute expansive artificial intelligence (AI) plans. So, while World Nuclear Energy Day is merely symbolic as far as federal holidays go, it’s important nonetheless. It confirms that more policymakers are on board with nuclear.
“Enthusiasm for nuclear energy is at an all-time high, and we must keep this momentum going,” said Risch in a statement. “I’m proud to celebrate World NuclearEnergy Day with Senator Warner and acknowledge the incredible advancements the United States, particularly the Idaho National Lab, have made to maintain our global leadership in nuclear energy.”
Bipartisan Thoughts
Ten other senators from both parties joined Risch and Warner in supporting the resolution. This is proving that this country has bipartisan support for nuclear energy.
“I’m proud to celebrate World Nuclear Energy Day with my co-chair, Sen. Risch, to celebrate the advancement of the U.S. nuclear energy industry. It highlights the importance of building on the progress we have made,” added Warner.
For NLR investors and history buffs, Dec. 2 is important in nuclear history. On that day in 1942, the first nuclear chain reaction was proven. On the same day, 15 years later, the first domestic nuclear power plant opened.
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