Opinion Leader Statements on Nuclear Energy
Many opinion leaders have voiced their support for nuclear energy over the past year. Below is a sampling of their statements.
(Click here for a printer-friendly PDF version.)
Elected Officials
Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
“Enacting a CES [Clean Energy Standard] will create the jobs this country needs and reduce pollution by advancing down a path of renewables, natural gas generation, nuclear technology and carbon capture. It reflects the principles of the do it all, do it right, energy policy I’ve been advocating for.”
http://bingaman.senate.gov/news/20120301-02.cfm
March 1, 2012
Energy Secretary Steven Chu
“If we want to be on top in producing the nuclear technologies that will be used both here and around the world, we’ll have to up our game—but this is a race America can win. The resurgence of America’s nuclear industry starts here in Georgia, where you just got approval for the first time in three decades to build new reactors. The Obama administration is committed to doing our part to help jumpstart America’s nuclear industry.”
Remarks during his visit to Plant Vogtle in Georgia
http://energy.gov/articles/secretary-chus-remarks-vogtle-nuclear-power-plant-prepared-delivery
Feb. 15, 2012
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
“Yesterday’s NRC approval was a major step on the road to a nuclear renaissance in the United States.”
Statement on NRC approval of Vogtle 3 and 4 construction permit
Feb. 10, 2012
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.)
“As our nuclear plants age, we must start thinking about how we will replace our nuclear fleet in the not-so-distant future. A renewed nuclear energy industry in this country means clean energy into the future and opportunities for American economic growth, with the potential to create thousands of short- and long-term good-paying American jobs.”
http://www.wgmd.com/?p=47804
Feb. 10, 2012
Senate Republican leader Jerry Behn (R-Iowa)
“I don’t think you can draw any analogies between the Japan nuclear situation and the Iowa nuclear situation. The reactors that we’re looking at are so far removed from what Japan has, it’s not even fair to compare.”
http://www.cnbc.com/id/46139810
Jan. 25, 2012
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.)
“We simply will not solve the issue of climate change without a renewed commitment to nuclear energy. I would say to my environmentalist friends, if you are anti-carbon and anti-nuclear, then you’re pro-blackout.”
May 2011
Energy Secretary Steven Chu
“We can either develop the next generation of clean energy technologies, which will help create thousands of new jobs and export opportunities here in America, or we can wait for other countries to take the lead.”
In reference to the U.S. Department of Energy’s approval of a funding program for Westinghouse Electric Co.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12021/1204996-28.stm
Jan. 21, 2012
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R)
“We have a need for carbon-based fuels, which has its own challenges, and/or nuclear power. The math doesn’t work any other way.”
http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-water-rights-approved-for-nuclear-power-plant-near-green-river-20120120,0,7386163.story
Jan. 20, 2012
Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour (R)
“Candidly, we’d love to have another nuclear power plant. … We don’t have, ‘Not in my backyard.’ We have, ‘Please in my backyard.’”
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2011/10/gov_haley_barbour_wed_love_to.html
Oct. 5, 2011
Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.)
“If we want to succeed in making America energy-independent, we must continue to find ways to safely produce and use nuclear energy. By creating public-private partnerships to streamline the development and licensing process, we can both improve our energy security and create good-paying jobs … both regionally and nationally.”
May 25, 2011
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas)
“I have always said that if there is an earthquake, I want to be in the control room at Comanche Peak.”
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/documentlibrary/safetyandsecurity/whitepaper/making-safe-nuclear-energy-safer-building-on-the-nuclear-industrys-commitment-to-safety-and-preparedness
May 2011
Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman
“The president made clear that we still see nuclear energy as an important element of a diverse clean energy portfolio and an important source of low-carbon baseload electricity. … Safety always has been, and must remain, our pre-eminent concern. That’s why over the past decades we’ve continued ceaselessly to improve the safety and security of each of our facilities.”
May 2011
Editorials
Bloomberg: Help Next-Generation Nuclear Advance During Building Lull: View
“We endorse President Barack Obama’s commitment to include nuclear in his goal to have 80 percent of U.S. electricity come from low-carbon sources by 2035.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-20/help-next-generation-nuclear-power-advance-during-long-building-lull-view.html
Jan. 19, 2011
Financial Times: Nuclear Energy
“…[I]n spite of the worst atomic accident in 25 years, nuclear power is here to stay.”
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/3/289d5906-2c03-11e1-b194-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1nuJoodIM
Dec. 29, 2011
Washington Post Editorial: A Future for Nuclear
“As of now there is no other proven, scalable low-carbon source of electricity that produces the reliable, ‘always on’ power that utilities require. America may never get as much of its electricity from nuclear plants as France, which generates 80 percent of its power that way. But if it is serious about cutting carbon emissions, the United States should keep nuclear on the table.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-future-for-nuclear/2011/04/22/AFdxPgHF_story.html
April 29, 2011
USA Today Editorial: Japan’s nuke meltdown shouldn’t close U.S. plants
“At a time when wind, solar and other renewable forms of energy are still a long way from being able to carry the 24/7 load for a nation increasingly reliant on computers and appliances, nuclear power makes sense—as long as Americans are confident it’s as safe as possible…”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2011-12-12/Japan-Nuclear-Regulatory-Commission/51850082/1
Dec. 12, 2011
The Denver Post Editorial: Think globally on clean energy
“The global economic slowdown, however, has dulled the appetite for expensive technological innovation. Next-generation nuclear generation and safe waste disposal must, from a practical standpoint, be a part of the answer. The world’s energy needs are too great to ignore this source.”
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_19267633#ixzz1mfAryCgF
Nov. 7, 2011
Opinion: The Richmond-Times Dispatch
“Nuclear power boasts an astoundingly good safety record, and will continue to do so even after the events in Japan and Virginia are taken into account. Dominion Virginia Power sets a standard in this regard.”
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/rtd-opinion/2011/sep/25/tdopin01-our-nuclear-future-ar-1332888/
Sept. 25, 2011
The Dallas Morning News Editorial: Yes to nuclear power, but only if safety comes first
“The nation needs more nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy is a cleaner source than coal to produce electricity and is more reliable than wind and solar. Until recently, more Americans, including many environmental groups, had begun to look favorably on it.”
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20110622-editorial-yes-to-nuclear-power-only-if-safety-comes-first.ece
June 22, 2011
Opinion Leaders
Dan Shechtman, Iowa State University professor, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
“The United States should develop nuclear reactors now. Governments listen too much to the noisy citizens, the demonstrators who are against nuclear energy.”
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120215/NEWS/302150057/-1/ciml_insider/Nobel-winner-Shechtman-finds-fame-helps-his-cause
Feb. 15, 2012
Robert Mendelsohn, Yale economics professor
“I think if we take climate change seriously, nuclear is part of the answer.”
http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2012/feb/10/nuclears-back-with-new-clarity/
Feb. 10, 2012
Jay Timmons, National Association of Manufacturers president and CEO
“An ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy must include the continued development of nuclear energy, and we are hopeful that the NRC will move forward with the streamlined licensing and permitting process to allow for the construction of additional plants throughout the country.”
http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/Manufacturers-Claim-Nuclear-Energy-is-key-to-competitiveness-609659
Feb. 9, 2012
Matt Bennett, Third Way vice president of public affairs
“As we think about nuclear energy on the anniversary of Fukushima, we make sure that we are thinking about risk accurately and fully. If we do, we think a consensus can emerge behind a national energy policy that actively encourages the use of nuclear energy to provide safe, emissions-free electricity that helps drive economic growth.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-bennett/fukushima-nuclear_b_1234077.html
Jan. 26, 2012
Robert Bryce, Manhattan Institute senior fellow
“[T]he real environmentalists aren’t the headline-seeking advocacy groups. They’re the farmers, urban planners, agronomists—and yes, even natural-gas drillers and nuclear engineers.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204409004577156723958026212.html
Jan. 18, 2012
Mario Salazar, the 21st Century Pacifist
“We already have an energy source that is relatively cheap to use and that produces less environmental and public health impact than fossil fuels. That source is nuclear energy. Until we are able to develop renewable sources of energy that are more efficient, it will remain the best alternative to coal and oil.”
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/21st-century-pacifist/2011/dec/28/case-safe-alternative-energy-source-nuclear-power/
Dec. 28, 2011
The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering
“We have long supported the advancement of nuclear power as a safe, cost effective and environmentally efficient means of making our nation more energy dependent.”
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/editorials/x1270567212/Our-View-Nuclear-power-is-safe-efficient#axzz1mesGB3sV
Dec. 11, 2011
New Jersey Nuclear Review Task Force
“Based upon the information provided by the NRC and the licensees, the Task Force members have a high level of confidence that New Jersey’s nuclear power plants are operating safely and have effective mitigation plans to address the lessons learned from the Fukushima incidents. The Task Force has a high level of confidence that the State has the emergency preparedness plans and continuous preparation exercises necessary to protect the public and will use the lessons learned to continue to enhance our State’s emergency planning process.”
http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2012/12_0011.htm
Jan. 31, 2012
Progressive Policy Institute
“Progressives have an obligation to puncture the myths surrounding nuclear energy … [It] should play an expanding role in meeting America’s growing energy needs for the rest of this century and probably beyond.”
http://progressivepolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/12.2011_Klein_Makinson_Nuclear-Risk-in-Perspective_Making-Fact-Based-Energy-Choices.pdf
December 2011
Patrick Moore, advisor to government and industry, co-founder and former leader of Greenpeace
“Like some of my fellow environmentalists, I have concluded that nuclear energy is the only source of power capable of providing pollution-free electricity on a large enough scale to replace some of the nearly 70 percent of U.S. electricity generated by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.”
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/oped/2011/oct/23/tdopin02-environmentalist-supports-nuclear-power-ar-1401049/
Oct. 23, 2011
James Tulenko, University of Florida professor emeritus
“Nuclear has proven itself in Florida and the U.S. as an economical and safe technology, and we will need the next generation of nuclear plants to move us forward to a successful future.”
http://www.news-journalonline.com/opinion/editorials/guest-columns/2011/09/07/nuclear-energy-offers-benefits-for-floridas-future.html
Sept. 7, 2011
Tom Kilgore, Tennessee Valley Authority president and chief executive officer
“We believe that nuclear power, developed properly, is not only a promising option, but the best available. Our forecasts for the region’s energy demands by the end of the decade show we will need more base-load electricity—or continuous minimum power—something nuclear plants excel at providing.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/opinion/nuclear-plant-in-alabama-is-due-for-decision.html
July 29, 2011http://safetyfirst.nei.org/third-party-experts/opinion-leader-statements-on-nuclear-energy/
(Click here for a printer-friendly PDF version.)
Elected Officials
Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.)
“Enacting a CES [Clean Energy Standard] will create the jobs this country needs and reduce pollution by advancing down a path of renewables, natural gas generation, nuclear technology and carbon capture. It reflects the principles of the do it all, do it right, energy policy I’ve been advocating for.”
http://bingaman.senate.gov/news/20120301-02.cfm
March 1, 2012
Energy Secretary Steven Chu
“If we want to be on top in producing the nuclear technologies that will be used both here and around the world, we’ll have to up our game—but this is a race America can win. The resurgence of America’s nuclear industry starts here in Georgia, where you just got approval for the first time in three decades to build new reactors. The Obama administration is committed to doing our part to help jumpstart America’s nuclear industry.”
Remarks during his visit to Plant Vogtle in Georgia
http://energy.gov/articles/secretary-chus-remarks-vogtle-nuclear-power-plant-prepared-delivery
Feb. 15, 2012
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)
“Yesterday’s NRC approval was a major step on the road to a nuclear renaissance in the United States.”
Statement on NRC approval of Vogtle 3 and 4 construction permit
Feb. 10, 2012
Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.)
“As our nuclear plants age, we must start thinking about how we will replace our nuclear fleet in the not-so-distant future. A renewed nuclear energy industry in this country means clean energy into the future and opportunities for American economic growth, with the potential to create thousands of short- and long-term good-paying American jobs.”
http://www.wgmd.com/?p=47804
Feb. 10, 2012
Senate Republican leader Jerry Behn (R-Iowa)
“I don’t think you can draw any analogies between the Japan nuclear situation and the Iowa nuclear situation. The reactors that we’re looking at are so far removed from what Japan has, it’s not even fair to compare.”
http://www.cnbc.com/id/46139810
Jan. 25, 2012
Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.)
“We simply will not solve the issue of climate change without a renewed commitment to nuclear energy. I would say to my environmentalist friends, if you are anti-carbon and anti-nuclear, then you’re pro-blackout.”
May 2011
Energy Secretary Steven Chu
“We can either develop the next generation of clean energy technologies, which will help create thousands of new jobs and export opportunities here in America, or we can wait for other countries to take the lead.”
In reference to the U.S. Department of Energy’s approval of a funding program for Westinghouse Electric Co.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12021/1204996-28.stm
Jan. 21, 2012
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R)
“We have a need for carbon-based fuels, which has its own challenges, and/or nuclear power. The math doesn’t work any other way.”
http://www.fox13now.com/news/local/kstu-water-rights-approved-for-nuclear-power-plant-near-green-river-20120120,0,7386163.story
Jan. 20, 2012
Miss. Gov. Haley Barbour (R)
“Candidly, we’d love to have another nuclear power plant. … We don’t have, ‘Not in my backyard.’ We have, ‘Please in my backyard.’”
http://blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2011/10/gov_haley_barbour_wed_love_to.html
Oct. 5, 2011
Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.)
“If we want to succeed in making America energy-independent, we must continue to find ways to safely produce and use nuclear energy. By creating public-private partnerships to streamline the development and licensing process, we can both improve our energy security and create good-paying jobs … both regionally and nationally.”
May 25, 2011
Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas)
“I have always said that if there is an earthquake, I want to be in the control room at Comanche Peak.”
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/documentlibrary/safetyandsecurity/whitepaper/making-safe-nuclear-energy-safer-building-on-the-nuclear-industrys-commitment-to-safety-and-preparedness
May 2011
Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman
“The president made clear that we still see nuclear energy as an important element of a diverse clean energy portfolio and an important source of low-carbon baseload electricity. … Safety always has been, and must remain, our pre-eminent concern. That’s why over the past decades we’ve continued ceaselessly to improve the safety and security of each of our facilities.”
May 2011
Editorials
Bloomberg: Help Next-Generation Nuclear Advance During Building Lull: View
“We endorse President Barack Obama’s commitment to include nuclear in his goal to have 80 percent of U.S. electricity come from low-carbon sources by 2035.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-20/help-next-generation-nuclear-power-advance-during-long-building-lull-view.html
Jan. 19, 2011
Financial Times: Nuclear Energy
“…[I]n spite of the worst atomic accident in 25 years, nuclear power is here to stay.”
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/3/289d5906-2c03-11e1-b194-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1nuJoodIM
Dec. 29, 2011
Washington Post Editorial: A Future for Nuclear
“As of now there is no other proven, scalable low-carbon source of electricity that produces the reliable, ‘always on’ power that utilities require. America may never get as much of its electricity from nuclear plants as France, which generates 80 percent of its power that way. But if it is serious about cutting carbon emissions, the United States should keep nuclear on the table.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-future-for-nuclear/2011/04/22/AFdxPgHF_story.html
April 29, 2011
USA Today Editorial: Japan’s nuke meltdown shouldn’t close U.S. plants
“At a time when wind, solar and other renewable forms of energy are still a long way from being able to carry the 24/7 load for a nation increasingly reliant on computers and appliances, nuclear power makes sense—as long as Americans are confident it’s as safe as possible…”
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/story/2011-12-12/Japan-Nuclear-Regulatory-Commission/51850082/1
Dec. 12, 2011
The Denver Post Editorial: Think globally on clean energy
“The global economic slowdown, however, has dulled the appetite for expensive technological innovation. Next-generation nuclear generation and safe waste disposal must, from a practical standpoint, be a part of the answer. The world’s energy needs are too great to ignore this source.”
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_19267633#ixzz1mfAryCgF
Nov. 7, 2011
Opinion: The Richmond-Times Dispatch
“Nuclear power boasts an astoundingly good safety record, and will continue to do so even after the events in Japan and Virginia are taken into account. Dominion Virginia Power sets a standard in this regard.”
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/rtd-opinion/2011/sep/25/tdopin01-our-nuclear-future-ar-1332888/
Sept. 25, 2011
The Dallas Morning News Editorial: Yes to nuclear power, but only if safety comes first
“The nation needs more nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy is a cleaner source than coal to produce electricity and is more reliable than wind and solar. Until recently, more Americans, including many environmental groups, had begun to look favorably on it.”
http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20110622-editorial-yes-to-nuclear-power-only-if-safety-comes-first.ece
June 22, 2011
Opinion Leaders
Dan Shechtman, Iowa State University professor, Nobel Prize in Chemistry
“The United States should develop nuclear reactors now. Governments listen too much to the noisy citizens, the demonstrators who are against nuclear energy.”
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120215/NEWS/302150057/-1/ciml_insider/Nobel-winner-Shechtman-finds-fame-helps-his-cause
Feb. 15, 2012
Robert Mendelsohn, Yale economics professor
“I think if we take climate change seriously, nuclear is part of the answer.”
http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2012/feb/10/nuclears-back-with-new-clarity/
Feb. 10, 2012
Jay Timmons, National Association of Manufacturers president and CEO
“An ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy must include the continued development of nuclear energy, and we are hopeful that the NRC will move forward with the streamlined licensing and permitting process to allow for the construction of additional plants throughout the country.”
http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/Manufacturers-Claim-Nuclear-Energy-is-key-to-competitiveness-609659
Feb. 9, 2012
Matt Bennett, Third Way vice president of public affairs
“As we think about nuclear energy on the anniversary of Fukushima, we make sure that we are thinking about risk accurately and fully. If we do, we think a consensus can emerge behind a national energy policy that actively encourages the use of nuclear energy to provide safe, emissions-free electricity that helps drive economic growth.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/matt-bennett/fukushima-nuclear_b_1234077.html
Jan. 26, 2012
Robert Bryce, Manhattan Institute senior fellow
“[T]he real environmentalists aren’t the headline-seeking advocacy groups. They’re the farmers, urban planners, agronomists—and yes, even natural-gas drillers and nuclear engineers.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204409004577156723958026212.html
Jan. 18, 2012
Mario Salazar, the 21st Century Pacifist
“We already have an energy source that is relatively cheap to use and that produces less environmental and public health impact than fossil fuels. That source is nuclear energy. Until we are able to develop renewable sources of energy that are more efficient, it will remain the best alternative to coal and oil.”
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/21st-century-pacifist/2011/dec/28/case-safe-alternative-energy-source-nuclear-power/
Dec. 28, 2011
The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering
“We have long supported the advancement of nuclear power as a safe, cost effective and environmentally efficient means of making our nation more energy dependent.”
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/editorials/x1270567212/Our-View-Nuclear-power-is-safe-efficient#axzz1mesGB3sV
Dec. 11, 2011
New Jersey Nuclear Review Task Force
“Based upon the information provided by the NRC and the licensees, the Task Force members have a high level of confidence that New Jersey’s nuclear power plants are operating safely and have effective mitigation plans to address the lessons learned from the Fukushima incidents. The Task Force has a high level of confidence that the State has the emergency preparedness plans and continuous preparation exercises necessary to protect the public and will use the lessons learned to continue to enhance our State’s emergency planning process.”
http://www.nj.gov/dep/newsrel/2012/12_0011.htm
Jan. 31, 2012
Progressive Policy Institute
“Progressives have an obligation to puncture the myths surrounding nuclear energy … [It] should play an expanding role in meeting America’s growing energy needs for the rest of this century and probably beyond.”
http://progressivepolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/12.2011_Klein_Makinson_Nuclear-Risk-in-Perspective_Making-Fact-Based-Energy-Choices.pdf
December 2011
Patrick Moore, advisor to government and industry, co-founder and former leader of Greenpeace
“Like some of my fellow environmentalists, I have concluded that nuclear energy is the only source of power capable of providing pollution-free electricity on a large enough scale to replace some of the nearly 70 percent of U.S. electricity generated by fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas.”
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/oped/2011/oct/23/tdopin02-environmentalist-supports-nuclear-power-ar-1401049/
Oct. 23, 2011
James Tulenko, University of Florida professor emeritus
“Nuclear has proven itself in Florida and the U.S. as an economical and safe technology, and we will need the next generation of nuclear plants to move us forward to a successful future.”
http://www.news-journalonline.com/opinion/editorials/guest-columns/2011/09/07/nuclear-energy-offers-benefits-for-floridas-future.html
Sept. 7, 2011
Tom Kilgore, Tennessee Valley Authority president and chief executive officer
“We believe that nuclear power, developed properly, is not only a promising option, but the best available. Our forecasts for the region’s energy demands by the end of the decade show we will need more base-load electricity—or continuous minimum power—something nuclear plants excel at providing.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/30/opinion/nuclear-plant-in-alabama-is-due-for-decision.html
July 29, 2011http://safetyfirst.nei.org/third-party-experts/opinion-leader-statements-on-nuclear-energy/
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