Palisades Nuclear Plant to Make Historic Return, Powered by Biden Administration Support

Photo byFrédéric PaulussenonUnsplash

The Biden-Harris administration has facilitated the reopening of Michigan's Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, preserving 600 union jobs and powering 800,000 homes.

Historic Nuclear Plant Restart Set to Bolster Michigan's Clean Energy Future

In a groundbreaking move, Michigan's Palisades Nuclear Power Plant is poised to become the first successfully restarted nuclear plant in U.S. history, thanks to a series of major investments from the Biden-Harris administration. Governor Gretchen Whitmer lauded the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their roles in finalizing over $2.8 billion in funding to revive the plant, which has been offline since May 2022.

"Reopening Palisades will keep energy costs low, shore up domestic energy production, and secure Michigan’s competitiveness for future economic development," Governor Whitmer said. The revived plant will provide clean, reliable power to 800,000 homes and sustain 600 union jobs directly tied to the facility. Another 1,100 jobs in the community will be protected as well.

Multi-Billion Dollar Federal Investments Fuel the Reopening

At the heart of this historic project is a $1.52 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Energy to plant owner Holtec International. This financial boost, combined with an additional $650 million USDA grant awarded to Wolverine Power Cooperative, aims to reduce energy costs for rural communities across Michigan.

The combined investments ensure that Palisades' restart aligns with broader federal goals of decarbonization and climate resilience. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm called nuclear power "America’s largest source of carbon-free electricity," emphasizing the critical role that plants like Palisades play in tackling climate change.

The Economic Impact of Reopening Palisades

The University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute found that reopening Palisades could add an impressive $90 million in gross personal income to the local economy annually, reversing the $259 million in regional losses since its closure. The reopening also promises to bring in $40 million in new tax revenue each year.

Workers at Palisades, many of whom have been with the plant for over two decades, stand to benefit from the region’s revitalization. With nearly 45% of the workforce employed in high-paying union jobs, the facility is poised to not only boost local economic growth but also contribute significantly to the state’s clean energy goals.

Biden-Harris Administration’s Commitment to Clean Energy

The Palisades project is emblematic of the Biden administration’s sweeping investment in clean energy. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) have funneled billions into projects like Palisades, marking Michigan as a national leader in green energy production.

President Biden’s climate legislation has already inspired 62 clean energy projects in Michigan, generating more than $26 billion in investments and creating 21,000 jobs in the state. The restart of Palisades is expected to contribute further to these growing numbers, positioning Michigan as a key player in the nation's energy transition.

Michigan’s Expanding Clean Energy Leadership

Michigan’s broader clean energy strategy, spearheaded by Governor Whitmer, includes a sweeping legislative package signed in 2023 that sets new energy standards for the state. This legislation focuses on lowering utility costs for households, creating green jobs, and safeguarding the environment.

According to the 2024 Clean Jobs America Report, Michigan is home to nearly 128,000 clean energy jobs, making it a leader in the sector behind only Texas and California. With the restart of Palisades, Michigan solidifies its position as a hub for clean, reliable energy, and union-backed workforce development.

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