BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 16. It is important to bolster nuclear energy capabilities through the Nuclear Fuel Security Act, said US Congressman August Pfluger, at a press conference on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku, Trend reports.
"Last week, Americans overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump’s promise to restore energy dominance," Pfluger stated, underscoring the belief in an era of energy expansion. He highlighted that global energy needs will continue to grow, and the United States is poised to meet these demands while reducing emissions and fostering economic growth.
Pfluger pointed to significant environmental achievements, noting that US carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector have decreased by 14.5% since 2007, with emissions from the electricity sector dropping by over 28% since 2005. Additionally, harmful air pollutants have been reduced by nearly 80% since 1970. "These milestones demonstrate that a commitment to environmental stewardship goes hand-in-hand with economic progress," he remarked.
The Congressman took aim at "one-size-fits-all" policies and dependency on foreign nations like China, the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter. "China is responsible for nearly 30% of global emissions—more than the entire developed world combined," he stated. "We cannot allow our energy future to be dictated by those who do not share our values."
Pfluger advocated for a diverse energy portfolio that includes liquefied natural gas, nuclear, hydropower, and clean coal. He highlighted recent legislative efforts, including the Lower Energy Costs Act, which aims to cut reliance on foreign energy sources while promoting clean American energy.
He also stressed the importance of bolstering nuclear energy capabilities through the Nuclear Fuel Security Act. "This bipartisan effort will strengthen domestic uranium production and reduce reliance on foreign sources, while providing a significant portion of our carbon-free electricity," Pfluger noted.
With global energy demand projected to double by 2050, Pfluger underscored the importance of collaboration at COP29. "It’s crucial to work together to develop solutions that prioritize energy security and environmental responsibility. By leveraging innovation, we can achieve both," he concluded.