Blue Dogs Support NRC’s Approval to Build the First New Nuclear Reactors in Thirty Years
February 16, 2012
Leaders Say Decision is Important to America’s Fiscal & National Security
Leaders of the fiscally conservative, Democratic Blue Dog Coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday announced their support of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission's approval last week to build two new nuclear reactors in the United States – the first in over 30 years. The reactors would be built in Georgia by a consortium of utilities lead by Southern Co. and will be located at the Vogtle nuclear power plant complex, about 170 miles east of Atlanta. The plant already houses two older reactors.
"I'm very pleased that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the expansion of the nuclear facilities at Plant Vogtle in my district," said Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., Co-Chair for Policy. "Since coming to Congress I've supported the expanded use of nuclear power as part of a comprehensive energy policy, and this expansion will decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy. But this isn't just about more energy - it's also about jobs. Many families in Georgia are struggling, and this will bring over 5,000 construction jobs to my district for years to come, and over 800 good paying, permanent jobs."
"Nuclear power is an important piece of an American energy policy that includes all-of-the-above to provide secure, affordable electricity for economic growth. This announcement is a welcome first step," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, Chair of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force.
"Nuclear power represents the most reliable, plentiful source of carbon-free energy that we can develop right now to meet America's rapidly rising electricity needs," said Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., Vice Chair of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force. "The NRC's decision is a long-overdue milestone on our path to energy independence, and we are pleased that American workers and consumers will finally have an opportunity to benefit from the construction and operation of the first new U.S. reactors in over 30 years. With the advancement of new technologies, and cutting-edge research on nuclear recycling, the reactors that are being planned today have the potential to launch America into a new position of global leadership on responsible energy production and high-tech job growth."
"Affordable, American-made energy is an important part of our national security and our fiscal security, and nuclear power should be part of the solution," said Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. "The U.S. spends nearly $300 billion a year importing energy from other nations. If done correctly, we have an opportunity to keep these dollars here at home and invest them in our nation's economy. Through the Blue Dog Energy Task Force, the Blue Dog Coalition will continue to promote U.S. energy independence and security and will work to build support for policies that provide Americans with reliable and affordable energy sources from right here at home."
"The approval of this expansion of nuclear facilities is an important step in reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Nuclear power is clean and reliable, and we can easily produce it right here in America, improving both our economy and our nation's security," said Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., Blue Dog Whip.
Click here to read the official announcement by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Visit the Blue Dog website at https://ross.house.gov/BlueDog to learn more. You can also get up-to-the-minute news updates on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/BlueDogPress.
"I'm very pleased that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the expansion of the nuclear facilities at Plant Vogtle in my district," said Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., Co-Chair for Policy. "Since coming to Congress I've supported the expanded use of nuclear power as part of a comprehensive energy policy, and this expansion will decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy. But this isn't just about more energy - it's also about jobs. Many families in Georgia are struggling, and this will bring over 5,000 construction jobs to my district for years to come, and over 800 good paying, permanent jobs."
"Nuclear power is an important piece of an American energy policy that includes all-of-the-above to provide secure, affordable electricity for economic growth. This announcement is a welcome first step," said Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, Chair of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force.
"Nuclear power represents the most reliable, plentiful source of carbon-free energy that we can develop right now to meet America's rapidly rising electricity needs," said Rep. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., Vice Chair of the Blue Dog Energy Task Force. "The NRC's decision is a long-overdue milestone on our path to energy independence, and we are pleased that American workers and consumers will finally have an opportunity to benefit from the construction and operation of the first new U.S. reactors in over 30 years. With the advancement of new technologies, and cutting-edge research on nuclear recycling, the reactors that are being planned today have the potential to launch America into a new position of global leadership on responsible energy production and high-tech job growth."
"Affordable, American-made energy is an important part of our national security and our fiscal security, and nuclear power should be part of the solution," said Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. "The U.S. spends nearly $300 billion a year importing energy from other nations. If done correctly, we have an opportunity to keep these dollars here at home and invest them in our nation's economy. Through the Blue Dog Energy Task Force, the Blue Dog Coalition will continue to promote U.S. energy independence and security and will work to build support for policies that provide Americans with reliable and affordable energy sources from right here at home."
"The approval of this expansion of nuclear facilities is an important step in reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Nuclear power is clean and reliable, and we can easily produce it right here in America, improving both our economy and our nation's security," said Rep. Dan Boren, D-Okla., Blue Dog Whip.
Click here to read the official announcement by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
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The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Visit the Blue Dog website at https://ross.house.gov/BlueDog to learn more. You can also get up-to-the-minute news updates on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/BlueDogPress.