State and federal energy leaders share commitment to affordable, reliable power and expanding American energy production

VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI. — State Rep. Pauline Wendzel, chair of the Michigan House Energy Committee, joined U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright Thursday at the Palisades Nuclear Plant, highlighting a shared vision for America’s energy future built on abundant, affordable, and reliable energy produced here at home.

The secretary’s visit comes as Palisades moves closer to making history as the first shuttered commercial nuclear power plant in the United States to restart operations. Once operational, the facility is expected to return approximately 800 megawatts of dependable electricity to the grid.

“Secretary Wright and I share a pretty simple belief: America should be producing more energy, and government should be making it easier to do that,” Rep. Wendzel said. “We’ve got the resources, the technology and the hardworking people to lead the world. Palisades shows what’s possible when we put those strengths to work.”

Rep. Wendzel has championed many of the same priorities in Lansing. She led passage of Project Lighthouse, legislation that would repeal Michigan’s costly energy mandates and require state regulators to prioritize reliability, affordability, and the full cost of electricity. She’s also advanced a bipartisan package of legislation to position Michigan as a national leader in next-generation nuclear technology, the same kind of advanced reactors now planned for the Palisades site. 

At the federal level, Wright has made expanding American energy production a top priority, including restarting existing nuclear plants and building new sources of dependable power. The U.S. Department of Energy has supported the Palisades restart through a $1.52 billion federal loan.

“For too long, energy policy has focused on restricting what we can produce instead of making sure families have the power they need at a price they can afford,” Rep. Wendzel said. “We should be using every reliable resource we have to keep the lights on, keep our businesses competitive and keep utility bills affordable. That’s what I’ve been fighting for in Michigan, and it’s good to have a partner in Washington who sees it the same way.” 

PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Pauline Wendzel welcomes U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright to the Palisades Nuclear Plant.

PHOTO INFORMATION: House Energy Chair Pauline Wendzel and Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt speak with Holtec President and CEO Dr. Kris Singh.

PHOTO INFORMATION: House Energy Chair Pauline Wendzel, Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, Congressman Bill Huizenga, Secretary Chris Wright, and House Speaker Matt Hall answer questions from reporters.