DC report on grassroots impact on Energy Bill
Over the past months, ANS members have seen the 2003 Energy Bill evolve. We successfully helped to defeat the Sununu-Wyden Amendment which would have eliminated nuclear loan guarantees. We participated in many ways to educate elected officials. Our membership wrote letters, made calls, and visited their elected officials to discuss the technical issues related to nuclear provisions in the bill.
However, after emerging from the conference committee and a positive vote in the House, the Energy Bill did not pass in the Senate.
Our grassroots efforts remain vital to sound policy on nuclear issues.
With regard to the annual appropriations bill, ANS weighed in with lawmakers, supporting increased appropriations for several programs including the Department of Energy's Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative and the University Nuclear Engineering Research program. Our education efforts also helped legislators decide to appropriate the largest sum to date for Yucca Mountain activities.
I ask that you call or email your senators and representatives to thank those who have provided pro-nuclear support with a yes-vote on the Energy Bill or to reiterate the importance of a comprehensive energy policy to those who did not.
Larry R. Foulke
ANS President
