New reactor construction is in jeopardy due to funding

Washington (Platts)--26Dec2006

The nuclear industry's plans to break ground for three or more plants by late
2008 or early 2009 is in jeopardy because of problems with the federal
government's budget for fiscal 2007 and 2008, Nuclear Energy Institute
President/CEO Frank "Skip" Bowman said in a December 18 letter to President
George W. Bush.

Most government agencies are operating on FY-06 funding levels and might
continue to run without an increase for the full fiscal year. In the letter,
Bowman said three key areas needed to be addressed. He urged the president to
ensure that DOE's Nuclear Power 2010 cost-sharing program for reactor design
and engineering work continues to be funded.

He also asked that DOE receive enough funds to start up an energy loan
guarantee office. In addition, he said, NRC needed congressional approval for
its full funding request in order to avoid licensing delays. Bowman told Bush
it would be a "fitting legacy for your administration" to have new reactor
construction under way while he was still in office.

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