Gov. Rendell called this week for support of legislation introduced in the Senate and House that would increase the funds available to Pennsylvania for disaster preparedness and planning programs for nuclear power plants.

The legislation increases the fees charged to owners of nuclear power plants. There has not been a significant increase in the amount Pennsylvania operators pay over the past 14 years.

The monies generated would be channeled, primarily, to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection, which are responsible for ensuring plant safety, leading preparedness efforts and helping to review preparedness procedures.

The Governor said his administration had worked with the operators to agree to an equitable increase that places Pennsylvania on par with other states that host nuclear power plants.

The Governor thanked Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) and Rep. Thomas D. Tigue (D-Luzerne) who are sponsoring the emergency preparedness funds legislation in their respective chambers—Senate Bill 1276.

"This effort to strengthen preparedness has bi-partisan support in the General Assembly and we look forward to working with the Legislature to pass these bills and then, with the nuclear plant operators, to make these changes to continue to ensure the protection of all Pennsylvanians," the Governor said.

"We have made tremendous progress in our preparedness activities in the past three years, and the Governor's comprehensive approach to review our readiness efforts will benefit all Pennsylvanians, whether businesses or individuals," said PEMA Director James Joseph. "The nuclear industry has recently made significant enhancements to their preparedness programs, and we want to make sure that all efforts are coordinated with the industry and our federal and local emergency management partners."

Information on steps that businesses or individuals should take to improve their readiness efforts for all hazards can be found on the state's Emergency Preparedness Guide webpage.

NewsClips: Bill Would Increase State Fee on Nuclear Power Plants

7/7/2006