Charting a New Nuclear Course In Tennessee
The Governor of Tennessee, Bill Lee, has announced the appointment of Michelle Amante-Harstine, CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement, LLC (CEE), to the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. As a Member At-Large, Amante-Harstine’s position on the council is a direct appointment of Governor Lee.
The Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, established by Executive Order 101, aims to position Tennessee as a national leader in nuclear energy innovation and advancement. The council will drive continued investment and foster a nuclear energy ecosystem, ensuring Tennessee remains at the forefront of nuclear energy technology and economic development.
Michelle Amante-Harstine brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the council benefiting the Governor’s mission. With her primary work accomplished in Washington, DC Michelle’s background as Senior Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy in Washington, DC, as Strategic Advisor Senior Fellow with the United States Nuclear Industry Council, and nuclear policy leadership roles with nuclear organizations such as the global think-tank the Atlantic Council and the American Nuclear Society as well as nationwide nuclear energy developers, and universities including Tennessee-based universities and industry leaders, nuclear-focused U.S. National Laboratories including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and more, she has played a pivotal role in initiating strategic, influential initiatives and promoting positive nuclear energy perceptions and policies.
As the CEO of Congressional Energy Engagement, Amante-Harstine is dedicated to developing impactful communication strategies bridging the gap between government and the energy sector by facilitating engagements among bicameral Members of Congress, industry leaders, global think tanks, educational institutions, Federal government, Embassy representatives and the Administration. Often Michelle opens her engagements with this quote “Human achievement is inseparable from human interaction.” These specifically developed “rooms of engagement’ are powerfully conducive to open conversation resulting in Congressional Members’ greater understanding of the importance of advanced nuclear technologies nationwide and their global impact.
Additionally, key to her work in Washington, DC, Michelle has worked closely with Tennessee nuclear entities across the board. This combined knowledge and experience offer a unique quality and valuable insights to the Council, ensuring that the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council remains well-informed and well-positioned to advance nuclear energy innovation and investment.
Amante-Harstine’s extensive network and expertise in government relations make her a valuable asset.
Upon her appointment, Michelle expressed her honor and commitment to serving on the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council, stating, “It is a tremendous privilege to be appointed to this council by Governor Lee. I am truly honored and look forward to working alongside fellow council members to drive nuclear energy innovation and investment in Tennessee. This appointment reaffirms the importance of nuclear energy as a clean, reliable, and sustainable solution for our energy future and national security while bringing sound economic development to the state”.
Michelle Amante-Harstine stated, “With a new generation of small and micro reactors poised to enter the market in the next few years, we are witnessing a transformative shift in the industry. These advanced technologies offer enhanced safety features, improved efficiency, and increased flexibility, making them a promising solution for our clean energy future”.
Michelle emphasized, “Public support for nuclear energy is also bolstered by its economic benefits, including high-paying job creation, long-term energy security, and its potential to drive economic growth in communities hosting nuclear facilities.” She concluded by saying, “It is encouraging to see the positive shift in public perception towards nuclear energy. By harnessing the potential of advanced reactors and fostering public awareness about the industry’s advancements, we can embrace nuclear power as a vital tool in our pursuit of a sustainable and carbon-neutral future, here in Tennessee and globally.”
Amante-Harstine’s extensive network and expertise in government relations make her a valuable asset in achieving Governor Lee’s Tennessee Council on Nuclear Energy’s objectives.
Michelle is a long-time resident of the State of Tennessee where she and her husband, Gerry raised two sons.
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Congressional Energy Engagement, LLC (CEE) (www.congressionalenergyengagement.com) is a strategic engagement firm focused on building bridges between the energy industry and government stakeholders. CEE works with clients from various sectors, including business, industry, organizations, educational institutions, global think tanks, International Embassy Nuclear Liaisons, and governments, to develop and implement effective government engagement programs. With strong relationships across the U.S. National Laboratories, the U.S. Congressional Committees, key caucuses, nuclear organizations, and the U.S. Department of Energy, CEE helps clients navigate the complexities of the federal government and achieve their strategic objectives.
The Governor’s Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and industry experience. Together, they will drive nuclear energy innovation, economic growth, and job creation in Tennessee.
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