News & Events

Thank you, Joe. And welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the 1999 Nuclear Energy Assembly.

This is an exciting time to be a part of this industry. Perhaps as exciting as the late 1950s and early 1960s, when nuclear energy's potential seemed boundless.

Today, having spent more than three decades gaining a better understanding of this technology … and improving it … the nuclear energy industry is again poised for a bright future.

However, today's optimism—rather than being based on a starry-eyed attraction to a new technology—is founded on the environmental contributions and the economic potential of well-run nuclear power plants in a competitive market.

Our bright future is also founded on the collective strength of this industry. We have amassed more than 2,000 reactor-years of experience. We have compiled an industrial safety record that is second to none. And our improved performance now has policymakers considering … seriously … a revival of nuclear energy.

Each of you … individually … has played a role in shaping our bright future.

Just as important is the collective effort of this industry.

Instead of being pulled in countless directions, as one might expect in an international organization with diverse interests, you—through NEI—have come together to set a common agenda … and to pursue the issues most important to the success of the industry .