Since 2017, Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium (VNEC) has hosted the American Nuclear
Society (ANS) student section from VCU for “Day on the Hill” during the legislative session in
Richmond. Students have the opportunity to meet with elected officials to discuss the nuclear
industry, educate legislators on the importance of nuclear, discuss their interest in their future
careers in nuclear, and urge support for specific legislation that would advance the industry.
The partnership between VNEC and the ANS student section has been a tremendous
opportunity for students to learn about the legislative process, meeting with legislators, and
the importance of advocacy for the industry. Students have participated in one-on-one
meetings with legislators, spoken in committee hearings, and been recognized in both the
Virginia House and Senate Chambers for their work.
ANS students have supported legislation to advance and promote nuclear energy, research,
and workforce development. In doing so, these students have played a significant role in
passing the following legislation:
- 2019 – HB2008 & SB1348 Created the 17th Career Cluster for Energy at the Virginia
Department of Education - 2020 – SB 828 Created a definition of “carbon free energy” and “clean energy”
- 2020 – SB 817 Declared Nuclear energy to be a clean energy source
- 2020 – SB 549 & HB 1303 Directed the creation of a strategic plan for nuclear energy
- 2020 – SJ 60 Encouraged advancement of nuclear energy research & exploration of
economic opportunities - 2021 – Budget language to secure funding from the general fund for a one-time planning
grant for VNECA to develop a nuclear research and innovation hub - 2022 – HB 894 Directs the Department of Energy to study the development of advanced
small modular reactors in the Commonwealth and “convene a stakeholder work group
to identify strategies and any needed public policies, including statutory or regulatory
changes, for promoting the development of advanced small modular reactors in the
Commonwealth.” - 2023 – HB 2386 & SB 1464 – Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program
- 2023 – HB 1779 – Nuclear Education Grant Fund and Program
- 2024 – SB 454 – Electric utilities (Dominion); recovery of development costs associated
with small modular reactor. - 2024 – HB 1491 – Phase I Utility (AEP); recovery of development costs associated with
small modular nuclear facility.
- 8:00 am – Meet at the General Assembly Building (GAB)
- 8:30 – 11:30 am- Meet with Legislators
- 11:30 am – Lunch (GAB)
- 12:30 pm – Attend the general session in the Senate and House chambers. Students will be recognized.
- 2:00 pm – Possible cabinet or committee meetings
Sign Up to Join us for the 2026 Day on the Hill
Complete the form below if you would like to join us for the ANS Students Day on the Hill. Please note, there will be a prep meeting on February 2nd via Zoom @ 7 pm to cover schedule, issues, objectives, the legislative process, and tips for meeting with elected officials. Please indicate on the form below that you are able to attend this Zoom call. Details will be sent to you.