The state that was home to the Manhattan Project creating the atomic bomb and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking to become the national leader in nuclear energy. Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order advancing nuclear energy in the state on May 16.
Lee’s order (pdf) establishes the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, aiming to promote and invest in “safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy” and create a $50 million fund to help recruit companies in the nuclear industry to the state.
“Tennessee is ready-made to lead America’s energy independence and drive continued economic growth with safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy for the future,” Lee said in a press release. “Today, I’m signing an executive order that will continue our work to make Tennessee the number one state for nuclear energy companies to invest and thrive, bringing greater opportunity and quality jobs for Tennesseans.”…