News & Events

Less than three years ago, many inside and outside our industry were sounding the death knell of nuclear energy in the United States. The forecasting branch of the U.S. Department of Energy, in particular, predicted in December 1997 that no nuclear plant would operate beyond its 40-year license term and 24 plants would close prematurely.

Predictions and conventional wisdom, however, are fickle partners. Nuclear energy is in a stronger position today than at any time in its history. A June report from BP Amoco noted that the global use of nuclear energy last year increased by 3.8 percent compared with 1998, well above the ten-year trend and significantly more than oil and natural gas. The rise was powered by an 8 percent increase in nuclear production in the United States.

U.S. plants are performing at historic levels, production costs are at historic lows, and owners are vigorously pursuing license renewal and acquiring additional nuclear units. Moreover, the U.S. public and Congress increasingly realize that economic progress and the environmental integrity of America depend upon a diversified and secure national energy portfolio that includes a robust nuclear energy industry.