Good afternoon. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here.

I’m here today to talk about the future of the nuclear energy industry in the United States. That future looks brighter than it has for decades—partly thanks to high levels of safe, reliable nuclear plant operation sustained over many years, partly because of conditions in the energy markets and partly because of growing concerns over global climate change.

I’ll cover five points today.

First, some thoughts on our energy situation today, and on U.S. energy policy.

Second, I’d like to discuss how the nuclear energy industry is positioning itself for the next wave of nuclear plant construction.

Third, I want to address concerns that some have about nuclear energy. Reasonable people still have legitimate questions about safety, about new nuclear plants and how can we be sure that they will not experience the delays and cost increases that we’ve seen in the past, and about our nuclear waste policy and our plans for used nuclear fuel.

Fourth, I’ll say a few words about the importance of nuclear energy in Texas.

And, finally, I want to leave you with my perspective on the energy and environmental challenges we face at home and around the world.