Author: Mary Kloser
It is our honor to recognize Jim Hopf as Volunteer of the Month for Generation Atomic. Jim has been an invaluable contributor to the nuclear advocacy movement for many years. We first met Jim when he was tabling for Citizens Climate Lobby at an environmental fair in California in 2016. Since then, he has dedicated countless hours to the cause of promoting nuclear energy.
Jim helped develop Gen A’s letter-writing training program, drawing on his experience composing persuasive letters to the editor. His expertise meeting with elected officials also greatly informed Gen A’s training on that critical skill. Jim attended conferences with Gen A as a volunteer to assist in delivering trainings and roleplaying exercises. Jim also established Citizens Climate Lobby’s nuclear energy action team and helped push CCL to increase its support for nuclear power.
Beyond skills training, Jim shows up when it really matters. He was on the front lines for the first march to save Diablo Canyon in 2016, and was there the night SB 846 passed to extend the plant’s life by 5 years. He marched in Chicago in support of saving the nuclear plants there, and did countless ours of outreach and letter writing until the plants were saved in late 2021. Jim retired early from his career as a nuclear engineer to devote his time to climate change advocacy, and the world better for it. He continues to lend his voice to the cause, participating in Gen A’s weekly government team meetings and taking to social media to share insightful commentary on nuclear news. His perspective illuminates issues for much of the nuclear community.
Jim, your dedication over the years serves as an inspiration. Thank you for your countless contributions to the movement. Generation Atomic is grateful for your volunteer spirit!
Want to learn more about Jim? Check out the Q&A below.
Q: When did you first get into nuclear advocacy and why?
A: “I’ve been involved in nuclear advocacy for over 15 years. Back then, the industry was still almost entirely focused on technological development and improvement. It became clear to me that public communication, politics and energy/climate policy would be far more important in terms of nuclear’s future success. Technological merit was already sufficient. Lack of support and unlevel playing fields were the real problems. For those reasons, I retired from my nuclear engineering career, so I could focus on nuclear and climate advocacy efforts.”
Q: What has been one of your favorite moments while being a nuclear advocate?
A: “Being present in the California capitol and watching the state house and senate vote, after midnight, to allow Diablo Canyon to operate until 2030 (vs. 2025). A Fox 40 TV reporter interviewed me and fellow advocate Guido Nunez-Mujica about the vote, and we (briefly) appeared on the TV news! This was the culimation of a long effort, by a large number of advocates, to save the plant.”
Q: What hopes do you have for the future of nuclear energy?
A: “My main hope is that nuclear will be deployed at large scale in the future, such that it’s share of overall world power production increases significantly from its current ~10% share. I also hope to see nuclear play a dominant role in other energy applications, such as providing the carbon-free heat that will be necessary for many industrial processes.”
Thank you Jim for all you do.
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