When Americans flip on the lights at home, we expect the power to work. We expect it to be affordable, reliable, and safe. That’s why the Trump administration’s decision to support the restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania is a smart move—one grounded in reason, history, and the Constitution’s promise of a strong, self-reliant nation.
This week, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $1 billion loan to Constellation Energy to bring Three Mile Island back to life. This plant once served thousands of families with clean energy before it was shut down in 2019. Now, with new leadership in Washington that puts American jobs and energy independence first, this facility is getting a second chance.
Located on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, Three Mile Island is no stranger to history. Many remember the 1979 accident at Unit 2, which caused fear and set back nuclear energy development for years. But what the media often forgets is that Unit 1 continued to run safely for decades after that, until it was shut down—not because it was unsafe, but because the previous owners couldn’t keep it going financially.
That’s where this new loan comes in. It’s not a handout. It’s an investment in America’s future. With this funding, Constellation Energy plans to restart the plant, now renamed the Crane Clean Energy Center, by 2027. It will provide power for around 800,000 homes. More importantly, it will do so with zero carbon emissions—unlike coal or natural gas.
This project also means jobs. Lots of them. Over 600 direct jobs and nearly 3,000 additional jobs will be created during construction and operation. That’s thousands of hardworking Americans who will be able to support their families, pay their taxes, and rebuild our industrial base. Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick put it plainly: this project puts Pennsylvania back in the driver’s seat when it comes to energy and innovation.
We should also remember what this means for our national security. Energy independence is not just about saving money on your electric bill. It’s about not relying on foreign countries—some of them hostile—to keep our lights on. With nuclear power, we don’t have to beg for oil from the Middle East or rare earth minerals from China. We can power our country ourselves.
That’s exactly what President Trump’s Executive Order “Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base” was all about. It’s about returning to the original American spirit of self-sufficiency. The Founders believed in an independent nation—one that could stand on its own two feet. Energy policy is part of that vision.
Let’s also talk about innovation. Constellation has already signed a deal with Microsoft to use the plant’s clean energy to power artificial intelligence data centers. That means this isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about powering the future. AI technology is growing fast, and it requires massive amounts of energy. If we want to lead in that field—and not let China beat us—we need energy solutions that are strong, stable, and American-made.
Of course, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission must still give the final green light. That’s how our system works. Safety matters, and we must follow the law. But thanks to quick and steady leadership from the DOE and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, this process is moving forward without unnecessary delays.
The Constitution doesn’t say much about nuclear power, but it does say a lot about liberty, prosperity, and the duty of government to protect both. By investing in nuclear energy, the Trump administration is doing just that. It’s protecting our energy freedom, our jobs, and our future.
Three Mile Island was once a symbol of fear. Now, it can become a symbol of hope—proof that with bold leadership and faith in American ingenuity, we can turn the page and write a better chapter.
