As Utah continues to consider expanding its role in the nuclear industry, HEAL Utah is asking an important question: Can nuclear energy realistically help address the climate crisis? 

While nuclear power is often promoted as a climate solution, new reactors face significant challenges, including extremely high construction costs, lengthy development timelines that can take a decade or more, and ongoing questions about financing, radioactive waste, and community impacts. As climate change accelerates, it is critical to examine whether investments in new nuclear power can deliver emissions reductions quickly enough, or whether those resources would be more effective when directed toward solutions that are already available today.

Join HEAL Utah for the next webinar in our Nuclear Legacy Series as we explore the role of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and compare it with other strategies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions more rapidly and affordably. This conversation will examine the economic realities of new nuclear development, the urgency of meeting climate goals, and what energy investments can provide the greatest climate benefits over the coming decades.

Dr. Logan Mitchell, PhD, Climate Scientist & Energy Analyst of Utah Clean Energy and Dr. Benjamin Sovacool, Core Faculty, IGS; Professor, Earth & Environment, College of Arts & Sciences of Boston University will discuss the costs and timelines associated with new nuclear projects, evaluate nuclear's role in achieving climate targets, and explore alternative approaches, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, grid modernization, and energy storage, that are already reducing emissions in communities across the country. The webinar will provide participants with an opportunity to better understand the tradeoffs of different climate solutions and what they could mean for Utah's energy future.

DETAILS
What: Nuclear Expert Webinar: The Climate Clock: Can Nuclear Deliver in Time?
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm MT - 1:30 pm MT
Location: Virtual!

FAQ
What resources will be available?
Information about radiation exposure to our families and Nuclear Regulatory Commission updates.
Is this a family-friendly event? Yes!
I can't attend in person, is there a virtual option?
This is entirely virtual and will be recorded.