SMRs an opportunity state should embrace
Editor, the Tribune: I would like to strongly express my support for bringing small module nuclear reactors (SMRs) to Missouri. If the Department of Energy awards a portion of the $452 million SMR investment funding to Missouri, our state will face an unprecedented economic opportunity. This funding could be the first step in establishing Missouri as a global manufacturing hub for this new technology.
Geoffrey Black of Boise State University says SMR manufacturing, when mature, could result in $37 billion a year nationally in annual economic impact. To put that in perspective, sales nationally from SMRs could more than triple the combined sales from our state’s top agribusinesses: corn, soybeans, cattle and calves, poultry and eggs and hogs and pigs. The opportunity could also positively influence Missouri’s workforce.
A single SMR unit has the potential to create more than 13,000 jobs. This is an opportunity Missouri cannot afford to miss. SMRs have the ability to turn our state into a global leader in the energy sector. Let’s embrace this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and fully support SMR funding for our state.
James R. Moody
417 E. High St.
Jefferson City
