Zach Van Horn
@nuclearzak.bsky.social
Nuclear Engineer & Educator
Outreach & Communications
Started as a STEM major looking to make a difference in the world and ended up getting radicalized by the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
All views are my own.
Outreach & Communications
Started as a STEM major looking to make a difference in the world and ended up getting radicalized by the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
All views are my own.
NOT TODAY, TEXAS!! 😋
SCOTUS rules narrowly in favor of the NRC's authority to license an interim spent fuel storage facility in West Texas. The merits of the case were not examined. Rather, Fasken & Texas could not become parties to judicial review.
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
SCOTUS rules narrowly in favor of the NRC's authority to license an interim spent fuel storage facility in West Texas. The merits of the case were not examined. Rather, Fasken & Texas could not become parties to judicial review.
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
www.supremecourt.gov
June 18, 2025 at 7:20 PM
NOT TODAY, TEXAS!! 😋
SCOTUS rules narrowly in favor of the NRC's authority to license an interim spent fuel storage facility in West Texas. The merits of the case were not examined. Rather, Fasken & Texas could not become parties to judicial review.
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
SCOTUS rules narrowly in favor of the NRC's authority to license an interim spent fuel storage facility in West Texas. The merits of the case were not examined. Rather, Fasken & Texas could not become parties to judicial review.
www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24p...
Republicans and especially the Trump administration, are doing all they can to prevent the clean energy transition.
Nuclear isn't just caught in the crossfire. It has a target on its back.
Nuclear isn't just caught in the crossfire. It has a target on its back.
BREAKING: Nuclear Regulatory Commissioner Chris Hanson has been fired by President Trump. The NRC is one of the most independent agencies in the Federal Government.
Statement from Hanson.
Statement from Hanson.
June 17, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Republicans and especially the Trump administration, are doing all they can to prevent the clean energy transition.
Nuclear isn't just caught in the crossfire. It has a target on its back.
Nuclear isn't just caught in the crossfire. It has a target on its back.
The NRC has determined Diablo Canyon is safe to operate for another 20 years!
Thanks, in part, to a $6B grant authorized within the IIJA (Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), DCNP was brought back from the brink of early retirement.
#NukeSky
Thanks, in part, to a $6B grant authorized within the IIJA (Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), DCNP was brought back from the brink of early retirement.
#NukeSky
June 6, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The NRC has determined Diablo Canyon is safe to operate for another 20 years!
Thanks, in part, to a $6B grant authorized within the IIJA (Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), DCNP was brought back from the brink of early retirement.
#NukeSky
Thanks, in part, to a $6B grant authorized within the IIJA (Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law), DCNP was brought back from the brink of early retirement.
#NukeSky
We're about to get a Chornobyl-level drop in public approval for nuclear energy.
This is by design.
People will rightfully become skeptical after headlines like, "Trump EO rolls back regulations on nuclear safety." Siting becomes 10x harder.
In the end, they'll blame the Dems.
This is by design.
People will rightfully become skeptical after headlines like, "Trump EO rolls back regulations on nuclear safety." Siting becomes 10x harder.
In the end, they'll blame the Dems.
Trump to sign orders to boost nuclear power as soon as Friday, sources say
U.S. President Donald Trump will sign executive orders as soon as Friday that aim to jumpstart the nuclear energy industry by easing the regulatory process on approvals for new reactors and strengthening fuel supply chains, four sources familiar said.
www.reuters.com
May 23, 2025 at 2:36 AM
We're about to get a Chornobyl-level drop in public approval for nuclear energy.
This is by design.
People will rightfully become skeptical after headlines like, "Trump EO rolls back regulations on nuclear safety." Siting becomes 10x harder.
In the end, they'll blame the Dems.
This is by design.
People will rightfully become skeptical after headlines like, "Trump EO rolls back regulations on nuclear safety." Siting becomes 10x harder.
In the end, they'll blame the Dems.
Amy Roma has a great article out for Nuclear Newswire on the two NRC lawsuits involving Texas: www.ans.org/news/2025-05...
#NukeSky
#NukeSky
NRC v. Texas: Supreme Court weighs challenge to NRC authority in spent fuel storage case
www.ans.org
May 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Amy Roma has a great article out for Nuclear Newswire on the two NRC lawsuits involving Texas: www.ans.org/news/2025-05...
#NukeSky
#NukeSky
@hankgreen.bsky.social Crash Coursing my whole Democrats-are-better-for-nuclear-energy manifesto was not on my 2025 bingo card.
DOGE Just Ended Nuclear in America
YouTube video by hankschannel
www.youtube.com
May 14, 2025 at 12:56 PM
@hankgreen.bsky.social Crash Coursing my whole Democrats-are-better-for-nuclear-energy manifesto was not on my 2025 bingo card.
"Hey, the NRC is moving too slow. How should we fix it?"
Trump Admin.: "Reduce staff, order them to rewrite everything from scratch, and... oh yeah, add another layer of bureaucracy.
👏👏 That ought to do it.
Trump Admin.: "Reduce staff, order them to rewrite everything from scratch, and... oh yeah, add another layer of bureaucracy.
👏👏 That ought to do it.
SCOOP: NPR has learned that the Trump Administration has tightened its control over the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
NRC rules on reactor safety are now subject to White House review before they can be finalized.
www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
NRC rules on reactor safety are now subject to White House review before they can be finalized.
www.npr.org/2025/05/09/n...
Trump tightens control of independent agency overseeing nuclear safety
NPR has learned that rules must now be vetted by the White House and that the administration is drafting an executive order that could loosen radiation limits.
www.npr.org
May 11, 2025 at 9:02 PM
"Hey, the NRC is moving too slow. How should we fix it?"
Trump Admin.: "Reduce staff, order them to rewrite everything from scratch, and... oh yeah, add another layer of bureaucracy.
👏👏 That ought to do it.
Trump Admin.: "Reduce staff, order them to rewrite everything from scratch, and... oh yeah, add another layer of bureaucracy.
👏👏 That ought to do it.
Even the Trump DOJ thinks that Texas, Utah, and Florida's interpretation of the Atomic Energy Act - which they say would prohibit the NRC from licensing small reactors - is bogus.
#NukeSky
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
#NukeSky
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
April 30, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Even the Trump DOJ thinks that Texas, Utah, and Florida's interpretation of the Atomic Energy Act - which they say would prohibit the NRC from licensing small reactors - is bogus.
#NukeSky
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
#NukeSky
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Is this the beginning of the end of the second nuclear renaissance? Or will these moves force the consolation of dozens of nuclear startups into two or three viable candidates?
#NukeSky
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
#NukeSky
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
E&E News: Details emerge on surging DOE departures
Key offices in the Department of Energy face a staff exodus that could undermine policy objectives.
subscriber.politicopro.com
April 22, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Is this the beginning of the end of the second nuclear renaissance? Or will these moves force the consolation of dozens of nuclear startups into two or three viable candidates?
#NukeSky
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
#NukeSky
subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eene...
Conservative leaning #nuclearenergy advocates have praised Sen. CAPITO. Some calling her, "the most pro-nuclear representative in Congress."
Turns out the coal-to-nuclear transition can wait a little while longer - I suppose.
#nukesky
Turns out the coal-to-nuclear transition can wait a little while longer - I suppose.
#nukesky
April 9, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Conservative leaning #nuclearenergy advocates have praised Sen. CAPITO. Some calling her, "the most pro-nuclear representative in Congress."
Turns out the coal-to-nuclear transition can wait a little while longer - I suppose.
#nukesky
Turns out the coal-to-nuclear transition can wait a little while longer - I suppose.
#nukesky
The states of Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona along with several nuclear startups are suing the NRC to effectively ban SMRs in the United States by passing regulatory authority off from the federal government to local and state governments.
#NukeSky
#NukeSky
April 8, 2025 at 5:03 PM
The states of Texas, Utah, Louisiana, Florida, and Arizona along with several nuclear startups are suing the NRC to effectively ban SMRs in the United States by passing regulatory authority off from the federal government to local and state governments.
#NukeSky
#NukeSky
I'm thinking about all those people out there working in energy regulation for whom "tariff" means something entirely different.
April 5, 2025 at 2:35 AM
I'm thinking about all those people out there working in energy regulation for whom "tariff" means something entirely different.
I'm a product of the first "nuclear renaissance" and I remember standing in front of the TV on my way to class in October 2008, watching the stock market plummet, and not realizing that it would mean for my career.
Today feels like that.
#NukeSky
Today feels like that.
#NukeSky
April 3, 2025 at 6:12 PM
I'm a product of the first "nuclear renaissance" and I remember standing in front of the TV on my way to class in October 2008, watching the stock market plummet, and not realizing that it would mean for my career.
Today feels like that.
#NukeSky
Today feels like that.
#NukeSky
100% agreement from me with Senator Risch. Now let's see his home state of Idaho repeal its anti-nuclear laws prohibiting spent fuel imports. Then build a state-of-the-art interim storage facility. That'll show those hippies how safe nuclear waste really is.
#nukesky
#nukesky
April 2, 2025 at 9:43 PM
100% agreement from me with Senator Risch. Now let's see his home state of Idaho repeal its anti-nuclear laws prohibiting spent fuel imports. Then build a state-of-the-art interim storage facility. That'll show those hippies how safe nuclear waste really is.
#nukesky
#nukesky
Hang it up, fellas! We've figured out what's been holding nuclear back and it's women and minorities.
Fully expect 30 SMRs built by 2030. 🙄
#nukesky
Fully expect 30 SMRs built by 2030. 🙄
#nukesky
March 27, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Hang it up, fellas! We've figured out what's been holding nuclear back and it's women and minorities.
Fully expect 30 SMRs built by 2030. 🙄
#nukesky
Fully expect 30 SMRs built by 2030. 🙄
#nukesky
I'm going to have to read ABUNDANCE, now, aren't I?
March 19, 2025 at 9:20 PM
I'm going to have to read ABUNDANCE, now, aren't I?
The first #NuclearEnergy renaissance never took shape because of dropping natural gas prices, the '09 recession, and a general resistance to doing anything about climate change.
How will we get this one over what's looking like very similar hurdles? #NukeSky
How will we get this one over what's looking like very similar hurdles? #NukeSky
March 11, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The first #NuclearEnergy renaissance never took shape because of dropping natural gas prices, the '09 recession, and a general resistance to doing anything about climate change.
How will we get this one over what's looking like very similar hurdles? #NukeSky
How will we get this one over what's looking like very similar hurdles? #NukeSky
You can now listen to the recording of the oral arguments made in NRC v. Texas from last week's SCOTUS hearing.
#NukeSky
www.oyez.org/cases/2024/2...
#NukeSky
www.oyez.org/cases/2024/2...
March 11, 2025 at 1:20 PM
You can now listen to the recording of the oral arguments made in NRC v. Texas from last week's SCOTUS hearing.
#NukeSky
www.oyez.org/cases/2024/2...
#NukeSky
www.oyez.org/cases/2024/2...
Oral Arguments in NRC v. Texas at SCOTUS just wrapped up. Here's some take aways #NukeSky:
1. There's some confusion as to what "spent nuclear fuel" even is. The NRC and Interim Storage Partners (ISP) argue that the NRC is authorized by the Atomic Energy Act to issue materials licenses...
1. There's some confusion as to what "spent nuclear fuel" even is. The NRC and Interim Storage Partners (ISP) argue that the NRC is authorized by the Atomic Energy Act to issue materials licenses...
March 5, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Oral Arguments in NRC v. Texas at SCOTUS just wrapped up. Here's some take aways #NukeSky:
1. There's some confusion as to what "spent nuclear fuel" even is. The NRC and Interim Storage Partners (ISP) argue that the NRC is authorized by the Atomic Energy Act to issue materials licenses...
1. There's some confusion as to what "spent nuclear fuel" even is. The NRC and Interim Storage Partners (ISP) argue that the NRC is authorized by the Atomic Energy Act to issue materials licenses...
🔥🔥🔥
Justices Thomas and Alito clearly confused about *what* nuclear waste *is.*
Justices Thomas and Alito clearly confused about *what* nuclear waste *is.*
March 5, 2025 at 3:51 PM
🔥🔥🔥
Justices Thomas and Alito clearly confused about *what* nuclear waste *is.*
Justices Thomas and Alito clearly confused about *what* nuclear waste *is.*
Oral arguments in NRC v Texas is off to a strong start.
As expected, Hobbs Act argument taking the lead both with the NRC's lawyer and in questioning from the Justices.
As expected, Hobbs Act argument taking the lead both with the NRC's lawyer and in questioning from the Justices.
March 5, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Oral arguments in NRC v Texas is off to a strong start.
As expected, Hobbs Act argument taking the lead both with the NRC's lawyer and in questioning from the Justices.
As expected, Hobbs Act argument taking the lead both with the NRC's lawyer and in questioning from the Justices.
ENRON is entering a highly competitive industry of tabletop sized nuclear power plants.
February 15, 2025 at 5:36 PM
ENRON is entering a highly competitive industry of tabletop sized nuclear power plants.
Reposted by Zach Van Horn
It's happening...
"According to an NNSA employee, roughly 300 of the agency's 1,800 staff are expected to be fired after the agency was denied a national security exemption."
#NukeSky
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/n...
"According to an NNSA employee, roughly 300 of the agency's 1,800 staff are expected to be fired after the agency was denied a national security exemption."
#NukeSky
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/n...
February 14, 2025 at 2:58 AM
It's happening...
"According to an NNSA employee, roughly 300 of the agency's 1,800 staff are expected to be fired after the agency was denied a national security exemption."
#NukeSky
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/n...
"According to an NNSA employee, roughly 300 of the agency's 1,800 staff are expected to be fired after the agency was denied a national security exemption."
#NukeSky
www.npr.org/2025/02/13/n...
How it started v. How it's going
February 13, 2025 at 11:54 AM
How it started v. How it's going