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On moving fast and breaking things
Craig Piercycpiercy@ans.org
So much of what is happening in federal nuclear policy these days seems driven by a common approach popularized in the technology sector. Silicon Valley calls it “move fast and break things,” a phrase originally associated with Facebook’s early culture under Mark Zuckerberg. The idea emerged in the early 2000s as software companies discovered that rapid iteration, frequent experimentation, and a willingness to tolerate failure could dramatically accelerate innovation. This philosophy helped drive the growth of the social media, smartphones, cloud computing, and digital platforms that now underpin modern economic and social life.
Today, that mindset is also influencing federal nuclear policy. The Trump administration views accelerated nuclear deployment as part of a broader competition with China for technological and AI leadership. In that context, it seems willing to accept greater operational risk in pursuit of strategic advantage and long-term economic and security objectives.
2019
James A. RippleSouthern Nuclear Operating Company
2016
Randall K. Edington
2015
Lee Rogers
2014
Jeffrey B. Archie, Sr. (VP & CNO; So. Carolina Electric & Gas):Danny G. Bost, (EVP & CNO; Southern Nuclear Operating Co.)
2013
David Heler
2012
Keith Moser (Exelon Corporation)
2011
John R. McGaha
2010
Michael Kansler
2009
Amir Shahkarami Exelon
2008
Marvin S. Fertel Nuclear Energy Institute
2007
Marilyn C. Kray NuStart
2006
Scotty Hinnant Progress Energy
2005
Michael Wallace Constellation Generation Group
2004
Joe Sheppard STP Nuclear Operating Company
2003
W. Gary Gates Omaha Public Power District
2002
C. Lance Terry TXU Electric Comanche Steam Electric Station
2001
Roy A. Anderson Nuclear Management Company
2000
James P. O'Hanlon Dominion Energy
1999
Michael S. Tuckman Duke Power Company
1998
Harold B. Ray Southern California Edison
1997
Bill Cavanaugh Carolina Power & Light
1996
Buzz Carns Wolf Creek
1995
Donald Hintz Entergy Operations
1994
Jim Schiffer Pacific Gas & Electric
