New England Governors Form Pact to Expand Nuclear Power Across Region

Six New England governors, from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, issued a joint statement on Tuesday, March 31, to explore advanced nuclear energy technology and potential new sites for nuclear facilities.

According to a Telegram & Gazette report, the effort brings together cross-partisan collaboration, including four Democrats (Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, Maine Gov. Janet Mills, and Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee) and two Republicans (New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte and Vermont Gov. Phil Scott), to advance energy policy discussions.

“Adequate electricity supply is critical to growing our economies, preserving public health and safety, powering our homes and businesses, and stabilizing consumer prices as demand for electricity rises across the region,” the governors said in the statement. “As governors, we are committed to safeguarding our collective energy future through advancement of a diverse energy strategy that includes nuclear power, a pillar of New England's electric system.”

According to the Telegram & Gazette, New England currently has only a few nuclear facilities, including Seabrook Station in New Hampshire and Dominion Millstone Power Station in Connecticut.

The statement noted that electricity demand in New England is projected to grow significantly over the next two decades. Winter peak demand could double by 2045, driving a renewed push for diverse energy strategies, including nuclear power.

Many governors from these states have been taking steps to advance nuclear power as they work to reduce electricity costs for residents. Ayotte issued an executive order on March 26 directing the New Hampshire Department of Energy to advance nuclear power in the state. Massachusetts has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop “Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps.”

The governors stated that they will only place nuclear energy facilities in New England communities that are willing to host them.