The Right Idea

This week, Brian and Derek enjoy a “powerful” discussion regarding the future of nuclear energy in Texas with the state’s former Chief Operations Officer, Reed Clay.

0:00 Welcome
1:34 Hot Take: What’s your favorite famous political gaffe? 
5:47 Introduction to the Texas Nuclear Alliance
7:30 Why has it taken so long for an organization like the Texas Nuclear Alliance to be created?
9:47 What are people’s fears regarding nuclear power?
13:27 Why has nuclear “been dark” for over a decade?
16:07 How have today’s reactors improved in regards to safety and efficiency?
23:00 What regulatory hurdles lay in front of nuclear advancement?
28:13 All things considered, including the environment, what is the viability of a nuclear business model?
32:17 Micro-reactors
35:04 NIMBY and transmission issues facing nuclear power
37:30 Legislative hurdles for nuclear power in Texas
41:08 Survey Says: 57% say that making America energy independent is more important than fighting climate change 
44:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Taxpayer Funded Lobbying

Creators and Guests

Host
Brian Phillips
Brian Phillips is the Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. For over a decade, Brian has helped policymakers and political candidates develop effective messages and communication strategies. Phillips is a veteran of presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial campaigns, and has extensive experience working in the United States Congress and public policy think tanks.
Host
Derek M. Cohen
Derek M. Cohen, Ph.D, is the Texas Public Policy Foundation's Chief Policy & Research Officer and Right on Crime Senior Fellow. Previously the Vice President of Policy and director of Right on Crime, the Foundation’s criminal justice reform initiative, Cohen was instrumental in the passage of the First Step Act, federal legislation that borrowed from successful changes to prisons and sentencing that he had helped pass in conservative states. In addition to leading the Foundation’s work on criminal justice, he is also the lead researcher of firearms policy.

What is The Right Idea?

The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.