1986 · Milestone
Chernobyl — U.S. nuclear safety reforms
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union intensified U.S. reactor safety culture, contributed to formation of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), and reinforced licensing scrutiny.
Historical era
Gas, nuclear & early renewables (1980–2004)
Natural gas and nuclear held steady shares while PURPA and tax credits seeded wind and solar.