Press Releases

Nuclear energy must be part of the conversation as we pursue a return to American energy independence, ensuring families across Southwest Michigan have access to safe, affordable, and reliable energy. For this reason, I’m leading the charge in Congress on the repowering of Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert.

Last month, I headed up a letter with a bipartisan group of my colleagues in the House to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chair Chris Hanson to express the importance of repowering Palisades. Specifically, we urged them to give swift and responsible consideration of the federal loan application submitted by Holtec as the company seeks to restore Palisades’ 800 megawatts of carbon-free baseload generation for Southwest Michigan. The power generated by Palisades is enough to reliably power more than 800,000 homes.

This initiative has already achieved support from local stakeholders, a $150 million investment in Michigan’s state budget, and a power purchase agreement with Wolverine Power Cooperative. Wolverine committed to purchasing up to two-thirds of the power generated at the plant. As buy-in grows from local, state, and federal decision-makers, I encourage the Biden Administration as well as my colleagues in Congress to continue examining this unique opportunity to repower Palisades. For this project to be successful, all public and private parties must be meaningfully engaged. 

Energy needs in Southwest Michigan have been fast-growing. Repowering Palisades could strengthen both our local and national energy security. This initiative also has the potential to create hundreds of highly skilled, good-paying jobs, and long-term opportunities in STEM fields, while fueling economic growth in Southwest Michigan.

Last year, I voted for the Lower Energy Costs Act to finally unleash American energy independence and slash prices for Michigan families. While this legislation awaits action in the Senate, repowering Palisades represents a critical step we can take now to address energy shortages, reduce carbon emissions, and promote economic growth.

If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Portage at (269) 569-8595, and sign up for my newsletter, the Huizenga Huddle, at Huizenga.House.Gov.