On behalf of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), I would like to thank you, Chairman Murkowski, Ranking Member Bingaman and the members of this Committee for inviting NEI to testify on the value of the more than 100 nuclear power plants that provide our nation with vital energy security and environmental protection benefits.

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) coordinates public policy for the U.S. nuclear energy industry. We represent 270 members with a broad spectrum of interests. In addition to representing every U.S. utility that operates a nuclear power plant, NEI's membership includes nuclear fuel cycle companies, suppliers, engineering and consulting firms, national research laboratories, manufacturers of radiopharmaceuticals, universities, labor unions and law firms.

The bills under discussion today—S. 882, the Energy and Climate Policy Act of 1999 and S. 1776, the Climate Change Energy Policy Response Act—reinforce two unassailable precepts to effective management of potential climate change: first, addressing greenhouse gas emissions demands informed, science-based energy policymaking; and second, solutions will require long-term, cost-effective technologies deployed on a global basis. On both counts, nuclear energy will continue to play a successful and prominent role.