COVERT, MI – In a milestone moment for U.S. energy policy, Michigan State Representative Pauline Wendzel, Chairwoman of the House Energy Committee, joined members of the bipartisan Nuclear Caucus on Monday for a tour of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. Holtec International President Kelly Trice and plant officials briefed lawmakers on progress toward restarting the facility—making Michigan the first state in the nation, and the first place in the world, to pursue the reactivation of a shuttered commercial nuclear reactor.

“This isn’t just about Palisades—it’s about proving that the United States still knows how to build, innovate, and lead,” said Chair Wendzel. “Nuclear power is the foundation of a stable, modern grid. It’s how we lower costs, create high-wage jobs, and deliver energy security in an increasingly uncertain world.”

Once fully operational, Palisades will generate 800 megawatts of reliable baseload power—enough to serve more than 800,000 homes—marking one of the largest single contributions to grid reliability in the Midwest in over a decade. Federal regulators and energy industry leaders are watching the project closely as a potential model for future reactivations or expansions nationwide.

Holtec officials emphasized that safety and compliance remain paramount throughout the restart process, with rigorous oversight from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The Palisades restart comes amid renewed, bipartisan national interest in nuclear energy as part of a broader push for grid resilience, energy independence, and long-term affordability. In recent months, policymakers from both parties have pointed to nuclear energy as a critical component of America’s industrial strategy and clean energy portfolio.

“We’re not just restarting a plant,” Wendzel said. “We’re restarting American ambition. The Great American Nuclear Renaissance is no longer just an idea—it’s happening. And it’s starting in Michigan.”

PHOTO INFORMATION – Chair Wenzel and members of the bipartisan Nuclear Caucus receive an update from Holec President Kelly Trice and tour the Palisades nuclear power plant.