Public Supports Nuclear Energy, New Statewide Coalition Formed

A group of community leaders, technical experts and otherswho believe nuclear energy is vital to Pennsylvania’s future this week announced the formation of a coalitionto advocate for nuclear energy and increase awareness of the environmental and economic benefits itbrings to the Commonwealth.

 

Pennsylvania is the nation’s second largest producer of nuclear energy and gets more than one-third of itselectricity from this carbon-free source.

 

In announcing its formation, the Pennsylvania Energy Alliance for Generating Reliable Electricity for Our Energy Needs released the results of a statewide poll showing that a large majorityof state residents believe nuclear energy is important to meeting the nation’s electricity requirements.

 

The poll of 800 Pennsylvania residents, conducted by Terry Madonna Opinion Research last September, found that:

 

-- Over 82 percent of respondents believe nuclear power is important to meeting America’s energy

needs;

 

-- 82 percent believe nuclear power is a reliable source of electricity;

 

-- 73 percent believe nuclear power will lead the country to greater independence from foreign

energy sources;

 

-- Over 66 percent believe nuclear power is safe;

 

-- Nearly 60 percent believe nuclear power will lead to increased national security; and

 

-- 57 percent believe the use of nuclear power will reduce the effects of global warming.

 

Respondents were specifically asked about two of the state’s nuclear plants – Three Mile Island in

Dauphin County and Limerick in Montgomery County. Three-fourths of those surveyed said they have a

favorable opinion of the plants.

 

“Our poll found that overwhelming majorities in Pennsylvania believe that nuclear energy is safe and

reliable, that it will help reduce the effects of global warming, and that it will lead to greater energy

independence and increased national security,” said G. Terry Madonna, research expert. “Of particular

note is that these views are held by Pennsylvanians who live near nuclear energy plants, as well as those who do not.”

 

The PA Energy Alliance is comprised of community and business leaders, public officials, scientists

andothers who support energy policies that meet the state’s needs, protect our environment and improve oureconomy. A primary goal of the Alliance is the continued safe operation of the state’s five nuclear plants.

 

Karen Walsh, former deputy chief of staff to U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr., is the executive director ofthe PA Energy Alliance. Initial administrative funding for the coalition comes from Exelon Corp. Someof the individuals and organizations that have joined the coalition include:

 

-- Peter Duncan and David Hess, former secretaries of the Department of Environmental Protection;

 

-- Forrest J. Remick, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University;

 

-- James MacVay and William Lynch, former Adjutants General and Commanders of the

Pennsylvania National Guard;

 

-- Dr. Ivory Nelson, President of Lincoln University;

 

-- Dr. Steven King, Director, Division of Health Physics and Radiation Safety Officer, Hershey

Medical Center;

 

-- Former Governor Mark S. Schweiker;

 

-- Terry Peck, Business Manager, UA Local 520 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union; and

 

-- The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry

 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Pennsylvania’s electric industry ranks 4th highest in carbondioxide (CO2) emissions, 2nd highest in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions and 5th highest in nitrogen oxides(NOx) emissions. Nuclear energy produces no carbon emissions in its electricity production.

 

“Although there is growing concern about the damage caused by greenhouse gases, Pennsylvanians – likeeveryone else – are using more electricity,” Walsh said. “We need to advocate for expanded developmentof carbon-neutral sources of power and the continued safe operation of Pennsylvania’s nuclear energyplants to meet this growing demand.”

 

In addition to the environmental benefits, Walsh noted the substantial positive economic impact of

Pennsylvania’s nuclear power plants. According to a January 2008 study by the Nuclear Energy Institute, the operation of a single nuclear plant generates between 400-700 permanent jobs that paysubstantially higher salaries than the average local wage. These jobs then generate an equivalent numberof additional local jobs to provide the goods and services that support the plant and its workforce.

 

In2004, the operation of three of the state’s plants – Limerick, Three Mile Island and Peach Bottom –accounted for more than 4,000 jobs in the state. The NEI study also found that the average nuclear plantgenerates total state and local tax revenue of almost $20 million a year.

 

In addition to these direct economic benefits, nuclear energy’s reliable, low-cost power helps moderatethe price of electricity paid by Pennsylvania residents by reducing the need for high-cost generation.

 

To join the coalition or learn more, visit the PA Energy Alliance or contactKaren Walsh by sending email to: kwalsh@paenergyalliance.com.