The chairman of the US Senate’s energy and natural resources committee told a hearing that advanced nuclear reactors hold enormous potential to provide communities across the country with zero-emission baseload power and made it clear he expects new reactors to replace retiring coal plants in his home state of West Virginia.

West Virginia generates about 96% of its energy from coal, but the American Nuclear Society reported that a two-decade ban on nuclear construction must be overturned before the state could welcome an advanced or small modular reactor.

“This is something I would like to see changed,” Democrat Joe Manchin said. “I have spoken to all of my friends in the legislature, and I think they understand the need and the urgency.” Noting that coal generation sites have preexisting infrastructure, Mr Manchin asked, “Would that be our best way to get up and running quicker?”