NEWS RELEASE

Next Presidential Administration Needs Nuclear Power for a Coherent Energy Policy

WASHINGTON—Following is a statement by Joe F. Colvin, the Nuclear Energy Institute’s president and chief executive officer, on the need for a strong nuclear component for an effective energy policy in the next administration.

“The nuclear energy industry congratulates George Bush and Dick Cheney on their re-election.

“One of the more critical issues facing the next administration is to put in place a long overdue national energy policy that solidifies energy diversity in part through increased use of emission-free nuclear energy. Nuclear power plants operating in 31 states already provide electricity for one of every five U.S. homes and businesses. If the U.S. is going to meet the expected 45 percent growth in electricity demand over the next two decades as well as meet stringent environmental goals, we must begin that work now. Also, we must recognize as a nation that we can’t get there without the reliable, affordable electricity that new nuclear power plants can provide. Higher energy prices retard economic growth, erode our quality of life, and can deny the neediest in our society the heating or cooling supplies they need to survive during periods of extreme weather.

“The vital role of nuclear power in U.S. energy policy is an issue that transcends partisan politics, and there must be a concerted bipartisan effort to more fully realize the benefits of nuclear energy. The federal government has shown considerable support across the political spectrum to work with the nuclear industry in a public/private partnership to explore the feasibility of building new nuclear plants and move ahead with a scientifically sound solution for the disposal of used nuclear fuel.

“It is crucial for the good of the nation for the new administration to continue with these and other efforts to shape a comprehensive energy policy that recognizes the continuing value of nuclear energy. We look forward to continue working with the Bush-Cheney administration and Congress to assure that nuclear energy continues to be recognized as a key element in the nation’s energy mix, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.”


The Nuclear Energy Institute is the nuclear energy industry’s policy organization. This news release and additional information about nuclear energy are available on NEI’s Internet site at http://www.nei.org.