For Immediate Release
July 1, 2009
Contact: Robert Black
Nuclear Energy for Texans
512.913.0046 (mobile)
512.617.5620 (office)
rblack@nuclearenergyfortexans.org
AUSTIN – Tom Forbes, president of Nuclear Energy for Texans, issued the following statement today:
“Exelon Nuclear’s announcement of its decision to seek an Early Site Permit (ESP) for its proposed Victoria County site is based on economic reality and the availability of federal loan guarantees.
“Nuclear Energy for Texans applauds Exelon for not canceling plans and for understanding that nuclear energy is a critical part of the energy mix in the state.
This move increases Exelon’s options and will allow the company to improve its ability to develop a nuclear facility to serve Texas’ growing energy needs.
Exelon has informed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that the company will not submit a revision to the combined construction and operating license application submitted in September 2008, but will instead pursue an ESP.
Texas’ population is growing, and its energy needs are growing along with it. We believe that Texas must have an energy mix in place that allows it to stay competitive in the 21st century global economy. Nuclear energy is a critical part of that mix for a variety of reasons, including safety, reliability and the relatively low cost of producing electricity. No other reliable source, capable of producing the amount of electricity that nuclear can produce, can do it without emitting harmful greenhouse gases.”
###
About Nuclear Energy for Texans:
United under the name Nuclear Energy for Texans, a statewide coalition has formed in support of nuclear energy as a safe, clean and reliable alternative to meeting the increasing energy needs of the state. The coalition includes elected officials at the state and local level, representatives from business and industry, health organizations and the scientific and engineering community. The coalition was formed solely to educate Texans and promote the benefits of nuclear energy as a safe, reliable and clean alternative form of electricity for the state.
To learn more about NET, log on to www.NuclearEnergyForTexans.org.