Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Biden and distinguished members of the committee, my name is Marvin Fertel. I am the senior vice president for nuclear infrastructure support and international programs at the Nuclear Energy Institute, the Washington, D.C., policy organization for the nuclear industry. I am pleased to testify this morning in support of U.S. ratification of the Convention on Nuclear Safety.

The Nuclear Energy Institute sets industry policy positions on various issues affecting the industry, including federal regulations that help ensure the safety of 103 operating nuclear power plants in 31 states. NEI represents 275 companies, including every U.S. utility licensed to operate a commercial nuclear reactor, their suppliers, fuel fabrication facilities, architectural and engineering firms, labor unions and law firms, radiopharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, universities and international nuclear organizations.

Summary of Key Points
The nuclear energy industry supports ratification by the U.S. Senate of the Convention on Nuclear Safety. Nuclear power plants produce nearly 20 percent of America's electricity—the second largest source of electricity. Nuclear power plants also are our largest source of emission-free electricity—an important consideration as Congress and other policymakers recognize the growing nexus of energy and environmental policy. Among the Congress, and indeed across the United States, there is a growing awareness that this is a proven industry with more than 2,000 reactor years of operating experience and with a product that will become even more valuable as we meet the demands of the 21st century.