Restarting the Palisades Nuclear Plant Is the Best Path Forward

The Palisades Nuclear Plant, which ceased operations in 2022, is now seeking reauthorization to resume power generation. In reviewing this request, the NRC appropriately determined that restarting the plant would not have a significant environmental impact. The Breakthrough Institute submitted a comment to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). BTI supports the NRC’s findings and the decision to proceed with an EA rather than requiring a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

A key component of BTI’s comment was highlighting the broader implications of not reauthorizing Palisades—or the "no action" alternative. Under the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, agencies must consider not only the environmental effects of a proposed action but also the consequences of not moving forward. In this case, failing to restart Palisades would necessitate additional power generation, likely from fossil fuels, leading to higher emissions and greater environmental harm. The NRC should pursue the externalities of such alternatives with the same rigor it undertakes when evaluating nuclear power plants.

The NRC’s decision to support the plant’s restart aligns with its responsibility to balance safety, environmental considerations, and public benefits. As we work toward a clean and abundant energy future, it is crucial that we apply regulatory efficiency and scientific rigor in evaluating nuclear projects. Thoughtful environmental assessments like this one ensure that we do not unnecessarily limit the benefits of existing clean energy infrastructure.

You can read the full text of our comment below.