A group of 300 businesses are calling for the Biden administration to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% by 2030 -- nearly double the 28% goal of the Obama administration. A clean energy standard that would have utilities source more carbon-free electricity is a possibility and the "administration is committed to doing a clean energy standard," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

Isotopes are being used to track various species of butterflies and their migration patterns. Scientists are using the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation to track deuterium found in butterfly wing scales.

The Department of Energy will award $5 million in scholarships and fellowships to students studying nuclear energy and engineering. "Nuclear is going to play a critical role in America's clean energy future, which means it's more important than ever that we invest in this brain trust," said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

With 17 nuclear reactors under construction, China has become the world leader in nuclear energy construction capacity, according to a China Nuclear Energy Association report. CCTV said China put 20 new reactors into service from 2016 to 2020 and as of the end of last year had 48 units in operation, putting China at No. 3 globally for installed nuclear capacity, behind the US and France.

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant's plan to expand its underground storage would not have a material impact on the environment, a Department of Energy report says. The expansion will restore underground storage space lost due to an accidental 2014 radiological release.

The premiers of Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding supporting the development of small modular nuclear reactors. "Small modular reactors are an exciting new technology that could be used in the future to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions, for example by generating power for Canadian oilsands producers," said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney.

The International Atomic Energy Agency will help monitor the release of Fukushima Daiichi wastewater into the ocean, director general Rafael Grossi said. Grossi added that the agency will also have experts onsite to provide technical support and monitor the process.

Crews have started placing concrete for a cooling tower at the Kursk II nuclear power plant in Russia. Once completed in 2024, the tower will be the highest cooling tower in the country.

Make plans to attend the 2021 ANS Virtual Annual Meeting, June 14-16, and hear from an impressive list of leaders from throughout the nuclear field. The Opening Session features Annual Meeting Chair Thomas Zacharia (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar (ANS President), Rita Baranwal (pictured - Electric Power Research Institute), Christopher T. Hanson (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), Maria Korsnick (Nuclear Energy Institute), Chris Levesque (TerraPower), and Clay Sell (X-energy). Register today.