New pro-nuclear group makes presence known in New Mexico
By Trey Rorie
A new pro-nuclear group in New Mexico has emerged and seeks to play a role in the state’s transition towards clean energy with nuclear power.
The New Mexico Nuclear Alliance, founded in July, is a non-partisan membership organization that operates out of Santa Fe. The new group has partnered with the Carlsbad Department of Development, Energy Communities Alliance and New Space Nexus.
Carlsbad is a longstanding nuclear community, where the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Carlsbad Field Office is based. DOE’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is roughly 25 miles outside of Carlsbad.
The New Mexico Nuclear Alliance was founded and led by Scott Lopez, a Marine Corps veteran, investor and business consultant. Lopez’s LinkedIn account does not show a background in nuclear energy.
However, Lopez has ties with DOE’s Los Alamos National Laboratory, as he has “more than 12 family members working there over the last 80 years”, according to New Mexico Nuclear Alliance’s website.
Along with promoting more nuclear power in New Mexico, New Mexico Nuclear Alliance also has an interest in the state’s nuclear waste management, such as advanced recycling and long-term disposal solutions.
“New Mexico can responsibly grow its existing nuclear ecosystem and has the opportunity to lead the country by example, demonstrating that communities once supported by fossil fuels can thrive with carbon-free, reliable and affordable nuclear energy,” according to its website.
On Oct. 24, New Mexico Nuclear Alliance made its first public appearance before the New Mexico state legislature science, technology and telecommunications committee. Lopez spoke before the committee advocating advanced energy technology, particularly nuclear power.
Some environmental groups have taken note of the New Mexico Nuclear Alliance. Nuclear Watch New Mexico Executive Director Jay Coghlan told Exchange Monitor that NukeWatch had heard of the pro-nuclear group but was not a fan.
“Pro-nuke groups are promoting a discredited industry,” Coghlan told Exchange Monitor Wednesday. “ Let’s have a little free market capitalism. The nuclear industry would collapse overnight without taxpayer handouts.That’s at the front end. On the back end, even after ~70 years, they still haven’t solved the radioactive waste problem.”
