Nuclear Matters warns about premature plant closings

October 2, 2014 | By

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) recently released a report on the impact of Exelon's nuclear fleet on Illinois' economy, highlighting a number of economic benefits. Now, Nuclear Matters -- of which Exelon, among other utilities, is a member -- is weighing in, especially on the risks associated with closing nuclear plants prematurely.

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Station. Credit: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

"The analysis reminds us of the very real impact that premature nuclear shutdowns can have, highlighting how the closure of Wisconsin's Kewaunee plant cost its host county 15 percent of its jobs and 30 percent of its tax revenue," noted Nuclear Matters' co-chair former Senator Judd Gregg (R-NH).

Another plant, Vermont Yankee, is also set to close soon, which is predicted to have similarly negative impacts on that state. 

"The bottom line is that we must do everything we can to keep America's existing nuclear energy facilities operating," Gregg said. "Further premature closures would jeopardize the benefits our existing nuclear energy plants provide in the form of reliable, carbon-free energy, as well as jobs and economic growth."

Nuclear Matters' co-chair and former Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) reiterates those benefits and key findings of the report, including the 28,000 jobs and $8.9 billion in economic output that nuclear plants provide in Illinois and, perhaps most importantly, producing 90 percent of the state's carbon-free electricity.

"NEI's report clearly illustrates the important benefits that America's existing nuclear facilities, including the ones in Illinois, provide," Bayh said. "The findings speak for themselves…These contributions are incredibly valuable."

Along with Exelon, utility supporters of Nuclear Matters include Ameren Missouri, Arizona Public Service Company, Dominion, Duke Energy, FirstEnergy Corporation, Nebraska Public Power District, NextEra Energy Inc., Omaha Public Power District, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern Company, and Tennessee Valley Authority.

For more:
- see this report 

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