General Atomic Reactor, Roundup Vol. 16, No. 12, December 1958. Papers of Albert Gore, Albert Gore Research Center.
Infused with Cold War politics, Senator Gore Sr. heartily advocated the need for federal, public nuclear reactor development in the United States. Disappointed by the lack of progress made by the AEC in pursing atomic advancements through private industries, Gore Sr. argued that the U.S. was in fact losing the atomic power race between the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom.
Memo from Gore, 1957. Papers of Albert Gore Sr., Albert Gore Research Center.
“While we continue to boast of the genius of American free enterprise, other countries both friendly and unfriendly are forging ahead with the construction of reactors.” —Albert Gore, Sr.
In 1956 Senator Gore Sr. and Representative Chet Holifield introduced a bill that authorized the AEC to construct six reactors. Oak Ridgers were drawn to this development of nuclear reactors as it represented a positive push for economic growth in the area. After breaking away from AEC control and becoming self-governing, Oak Ridge ran into several obstacles in way of stabilizating their local economy. Unemployment rose in the wake of facilities, once bustling with war effort activity, shutting down leading to several thousand Oak Ridgers moving on to seek other opportunities. News of a possible reactor construction gave many the hope that Oak Ridge would once again regain the population and buzz once attributed the to the city during the war.
“Oak Ridge has available the necessary skill and facilities for the efficient construction and operation of such a power reactor.” —Oak Ridge residents
Telegram to Gore from Oak Ridge, 1958. Papers of Albert Gore Sr., Albert Gore Research Center.
The Gore-Holifield bill however was met with great opposition and effectively shut down. Both the AEC and the Eisenhower administration were not in favor of government constructed reactors, preferring the private and commercial path for atomic power.
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Atomic Appalachia 
