NRC approves first small modular reactor

ROCKVILLE, MD — The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a construction permit for the Tennessee Valley Authority to build a small modular nuclear reactor at its Clinch River site in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.The decision clears the way for construction of what is expected to become the nation’s...

Indiana takes over radioactive materials oversight

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indiana has become the 41st state to assume responsibility for regulating certain radioactive materials under an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.The agreement, effective Sept. 30, gives Indiana oversight of about 213 licenses involving radioactive materials used...

U.S. nuclear power faces continued challenges

The United States operates the world’s largest fleet of nuclear power plants, with 93 reactors capable of generating about 95,500 megawatts of electricity.

1st nuclear power plant went online in 1957; average age of U.S. reactors now is about 44

The average age of U.S commercial nuclear power reactors that were operational as of March 2026 is approximately 44 years.The oldest operating reactor is Nine Mile Point Unit 1 in New York State, which entered commercial service in December 1969.

Nuclear power has its detractors in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Corporation Commission held a public meeting Jan. 7 in Oklahoma City to hear citizen opinions about whether Oklahoma should open its arms and allow development of nuclear power plants to generate electricity.Numerous comments were filed by concerned residents.

Now the Nickel: Common Cents Act examines composition of the 5-cent coin

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A congressman and a senator, both representing Oklahoma, have actively been involved in promoting legislation to help sort out coinage issues affecting the nation.U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) and U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK-03) have both advocated for fiscal responsibility...

Corporation Commission conducted nuclear energy feasibility study

Last year the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 130, which required the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to conduct a Nuclear Energy Feasibility Study assessing the feasibility of establishing nuclear energy generation in Oklahoma.The legislation also identified a series of topics to be addressed...