Message from the Chair – The New Build Era

12,672 days. When the NRC issued the combined construction and operating license for Vogtle Units 3 and 4 on February 9, 2012, that’s how long it had been since the last construction license had been issued (May 31, 1977 – Wolf Creek). Was this the moment when everything changed? The clouds didn’t part, revealing choirs of angels singing in praise of nuclear power. There was no earth shattering kaboom. But still, it was a good day. It means we’ve moved forward, even if one tiny step, to secure a future that continues to be powered by safe, clean, nuclear energy. And only a few weeks later, the NRC followed up with the approval for two new units at VC Summer. A new generation of nuclear reactors will require a new generation of a trained nuclear workforce. People are needed at all levels, from technicians and trades to licensed engineers and Ph.D.s., and those of us working in nuclear education, training, and workforce development will be the backbone of the supply to an industry in growth. No one doubts that there are still plenty of challenges ahead. The pressures of a prolonged economic downturn don’t make it any easier to sell the idea of a huge capital investment. And the lingering political effects of the accident at Fukushima increase the need for us to demonstrate the margin of safety inherent in our reactor fleet. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as chair of the Education, Training, and Workforce Development Division of this ANS this past year. No other group cuts across all disciplines of nuclear science...

ANS 2012 Annual Meeting

In the link below you will find the agenda for the agenda for the ANS 2012 Annual Meeting on Sunday June 24, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL. Executive Committee Members should review the agenda in preparation for the meeting.

Minutes from the ANS 2011 Annual Meeting

In the link you will find the draft minutes from the ANS 2011 Annual Meeting that was held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Executive Committee members should review the draft of the minutes and be prepared to discuss them at our next meeting.