Saturday, July 20, 2019

Nuclear Industry Claims Embedded Prejudice in Finance Agency

http://whchronicle.com/nuclear-industry-claims-embedded-prejudice-in-finance-agency/?utm_source=Llewellyn+King+Column+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=f917231ad0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_01_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ef8bd218a2-f917231ad0-333577617

Friday, July 19, 2019

Federal lawsuit aims to strike down new California 'Wildfire Fund' law signed by Governor Newsom | abc10.com

Federal lawsuit aims to strike down new California 'Wildfire Fund' law signed by Governor Newsom | abc10.com: California recently passed a law meant to protect its three large electric monopolies, but a federal lawsuit seeks to block it from taking effect.

PG&E Comes Out Against Elliott’s $30 Billion Restructuring Pitch

Shareholders also oppose Elliott plan to buy company stake at “fire sale price”

https://www.wsj.com/articles/pg-e-comes-out-against-elliotts-30-billion-restructuring-pitch-11563568478

PG&E Comes Out Against Elliott’s $30 Billion Restructuring Pitch - WSJ

PG&E Comes Out Against Elliott’s $30 Billion Restructuring Pitch - WSJ: PG&E’s lawyers argued in court papers Thursday that the bondholders’ chapter 11 proposal can’t be confirmed because it gives them a vote and a voice in the bankruptcy proceeding they don’t deserve.

Fukushima Update July 19. 2019

Fukushima Update July 19. 2019 –

Namie gets a supermarket for former evacuees... Tepco is studying the cover over the unit #1 reactor well… Japan insists that all food import curbs by other nations be abolished… Local feelings cloud the Fukushima voting arena.

https://www.hiroshimasyndrome.com/fukushima-accident-updates.html

Plan to build 1st small US nuke reactors in Idaho advances

Plan to build 1st small US nuke reactors in Idaho advances: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A plan to build the nation's first small modular nuclear reactors to produce commercial power is a step closer to being realized. A Utah-based energy cooperative said...

New York awards record 1,700 MW offshore wind contracts | Utility Dive

New York awards record 1,700 MW offshore wind contracts | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

Advanced US nukes need a boost; is the Pentagon the answer? | Utility Dive

Advanced US nukes need a boost; is the Pentagon the answer? | Utility Dive: Utility industry news, voices and jobs for energy industry professionals. Optimized for your mobile phone.

11,600 without power following explosion at Madison Gas & Electric substation

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/11600-without-power-due-to-multiple-fires-at-madison-gas-electric-substa/559135/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Issue:%202019-07-19%20Utility%20Dive%20Newsletter%20%5Bissue:21990%5D&utm_term=Utility%20Dive

PG&E Corporation – Objects to Noteholders Request to Terminate Exclusivity, Accuses Noteholders of Attempt to Hijack Chapter 11 Process Through Creation of Impaired Class | Daily Bankrupt Company Updates | Bankrupt Company News

PG&E Corporation – Objects to Noteholders Request to Terminate Exclusivity, Accuses Noteholders of Attempt to Hijack Chapter 11 Process Through Creation of Impaired Class | Daily Bankrupt Company Updates | Bankrupt Company News: July 18, 2019 – The Debtors objected to a motion filed by the Ad Hoc Committee (defined below) to terminate the Debtors’ exclusive Plan filing and solicitation periods (the “Termination Motion”) [Docket No. 3075] and pushed back on a term sheet for an alternative Plan proposed by the Ad Hoc Committee as "an attempt to...Continue reading

PG&E Bankruptcy: New Court Filings Highlight Risks - Bloomberg

PG&E Bankruptcy: New Court Filings Highlight Risks - Bloomberg: The utility wants longer to come up with a plan to leave bankruptcy, but bondholders have one, with a tempting dollar figure already attached.

PG&E found 124 flaws in Napa County infrastructure deemed 'high-priority' for repair | Local News | napavalleyregister.com

PG&E found 124 flaws in Napa County infrastructure deemed 'high-priority' for repair | Local News | napavalleyregister.com: Pacific Gas and Electric Company inspectors found Napa County’s electrical infrastructure was in serious need of repair in 124 places.

PG&E teams up with Mendocino Aerial Fire Patrol to spot fires from the sky – Lake County Record-Bee

PG&E teams up with Mendocino Aerial Fire Patrol to spot fires from the sky – Lake County Record-Bee: There used to be several fire lookout towers in Mendocino County staffed with people scanning for smoke in stations atop mountains like Iron Peak, Two Rock and Cahto Peak.

Tensions run high at PG&E rate hike meetings – Chico Enterprise-Record

Tensions run high at PG&E rate hike meetings – Chico Enterprise-Record: CHICO — It was standing room only at the Butte County Association of Government Chambers on Thursday, while the California Public Utilities Commission heard public comment on Pacific Gas &amp…

'They’ve gotten too big, too powerful' | Camp Fire survivors meet with utilities commission about PG&E proposed rate increase | abc10.com

'They’ve gotten too big, too powerful' | Camp Fire survivors meet with utilities commission about PG&E proposed rate increase | abc10.com: Many survivors of the Camp Fire packed a boardroom Thursday night in Chico for a meeting regarding PG&E’s proposed rate increase for 2020.

Camp Fire survivors speak out as PG&E requests rate hike | KRCR

Camp Fire survivors speak out as PG&E requests rate hike | KRCR: People in Butte County were outraged on Thursday during a meeting to consider opinions on a rate increase from PG&E. Most of the crowd was made up of Camp Fire survivors who say the proposed $10. 57 a month increase is adding insult to injury after the devastating fire. People from PG&E, and the California Public Utilities Commission, listened to the crowd. Nearly everyone there argued against paying extra money every month for utilities.

PG&E Looks to a Better, Much Safer Future - WSJ

PG&E Looks to a Better, Much Safer Future - WSJ: Judge us by how well we become the PG&E our customers want and deserve.

Ukraine’s nuclear power disasters may not be over, experts warn | KyivPost - Ukraine's Global Voice

Nuclear Industry Claims Embedded Prejudice in Finance Agency – InsideSources

Nuclear Industry Claims Embedded Prejudice in Finance Agency – InsideSources: They are bureaucracy’s equivalent of ghosts: old policies, fiats and ideas that have lost their relevance — if they ever had any — and are without a

EDF could shut power output at Golfech nuclear plant due to hot weather - Reuters

EDF could shut power output at Golfech nuclear plant due to hot weather - Reuters: French utility EDF could shut down production at its 2,600 megawatt capacity Golfech nuclear power plant in the south of France from Tuesday July 23, due to the high temperature forecast on the Garonne river.

Accident at nuclear power plant in Central Russia: Three units shut down

Russian nuclear power plant switches off units after short-circuit

Trump administration risks ‘disaster’ with proposals to roll back nuclear safety inspections | The Independent

Trump administration risks ‘disaster’ with proposals to roll back nuclear safety inspections | The Independent: Trump administration plans to roll back safety inspections at nuclear power plants risk “disaster”, according to Democrats who said they were “disturbed” by the proposals. Regulators’ plans have also included fewer mock raids to test power stations’ defences against terrorists and less notice for nearby residents when problems arise.

couriernews.com/Content/Default/Nation/Article/Nuclear-industry-push-for-reduced-oversight-gaining-traction/-3/62/56761

couriernews.com/Content/Default/Nation/Article/Nuclear-industry-push-for-reduced-oversight-gaining-traction/-3/62/56761: WASHINGTON -- Fewer mock commando raids to test nuclear power plants' defenses against terrorist attacks. Fewer, smaller government inspections for plant safety

Federal regulator considering fewer inspections for aging nuclear power plants - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Federal regulator considering fewer inspections for aging nuclear power plants - The San Diego Union-Tribune: The recommendations are not expected to affect the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station

William Clayton Crawford, Jr. February 27, 1959 – May 31, 2019 – The Pine Tree

William Clayton Crawford, Jr. February 27, 1959 – May 31, 2019 – The Pine Tree: Angels Camp, CA…William (Bill) was born in Angels Camp, CA on February 27, 1959 to William and Phyliss Crawford. He was the oldest of the family, later welcoming his brothers Chris and Todd. …

Kalinin and Beloyarsk outages due to non-nuclear faults, says Rosenergoatom - World Nuclear News

Kalinin and Beloyarsk outages due to non-nuclear faults, says Rosenergoatom - World Nuclear News: Russia's Rosenergoatom has explained the recent unplanned shutdowns at its Kalinin and Beloyarsk nuclear power plants, which have attracted media interest. Rosenergoatom, which is the nuclear power plant operator subsidiary of state nuclear corporation Rosatom, said both incidents were caused by electrical faults unrelated to the nuclear equipment.

US regulator seeks to improve efficiency - World Nuclear News

US regulator seeks to improve efficiency - World Nuclear News: The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has proposed a reduction in the frequency and scope of inspections at the country's more than 90 nuclear power units to help reduce costs and improve efficiency. In response, the Nuclear Energy Institute said "smarter regulations" can help nuclear plant owners and operators allocate time and resources to areas that most impact safety.

Climate Politics/Capitol Light (17) | The Energy Collective Daily

ANS Nuclear Policy Wire July 19, 2019

July 19, 2019

NELA advancement

On Tuesday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed S.903, the Nuclear Energy Leadership Act (NELA). The bill will allow the federal government to sign long-term power purchase agreements (PPA's) as well as call for deployment of new reactor designs at government facilities.

Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) submitted and then withdrew an amendment to NELA that would have only allowed plants that enter into service after 2019 to qualify for 40-year PPA's with the government. Generating facilities that start operations before that year would only be able to obtain contracts for the existing maximum of 10 years. Energy Committee Chairman Murkowski (R-AK) and Ranking Member Manchin (D-WV) promised to work with Hirono separately on possible changes as NELA moves to the Senate floor.

Another Three Russian Nuclear Reactors Offline After Short-circuit Malfunction at Power Plant

Another Three Russian Nuclear Reactors Offline After Short-circuit Malfunction at Power Plant: The malfunction at the Kalinin plant northwest of Moscow is the second incident linked to Russia's nuclear grid in a week.

China launches small reactor project in push for nuclear dominance - Reuters

China launches small reactor project in push for nuclear dominance - Reuters: China has started building its first small modular reactor (SMR) project on the island province of Hainan, the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) said on Thursday, as part of the country's efforts to diversify its nuclear sector.

Logan City looking at nuclear power as source of baseload energy – Cache Valley Daily

Logan City looking at nuclear power as source of baseload energy – Cache Valley Daily: The Logan Municipal Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to stick with a project intended to build what would be the nation’s first small modular nuclear reactor just north of Idaho Falls.

Uranium Regains Some Glow as Trump Sidesteps Fight - WSJ

Uranium Regains Some Glow as Trump Sidesteps Fight - WSJ: Prices for uranium climbed to a four-month high after President Trump held back from imposing limits on U.S. imports of the nuclear fuel.

Nevada’s governor wants Yucca earthquake review | Las Vegas Review-Journal

Nevada’s governor wants Yucca earthquake review | Las Vegas Review-Journal: Gov. Steve Sisolak and all six members of Nevada’s congressional delegation have written to Energy Secretary Rick Perry, asking him to order a review of Yucca Mountain in light of recent California earthquakes.

House Energy and Commerce and Appropriations Committees express concerns over proposed changes to Reactor Oversight Process - Daily Energy Insider

House Energy and Commerce and Appropriations Committees express concerns over proposed changes to Reactor Oversight Process - Daily Energy Insider: Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce and House Appropriations Committees sent a letter Monday to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Kristine Svinicki expressing concerns over proposed changes to its Reactor Oversight Process (ROP).© Shutterstock ... Read More »

Report: US nuclear lab gives New Mexico economy $3B boost

Report: US nuclear lab gives New Mexico economy $3B boost: ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Responsible for infusing about $3 billion a year into New Mexico's economy, Los Alamos National Laboratory is being held up by lab officials, politicians and others as an...

Ohio nuclear bailout bill held up because of lawmaker absences

https://www.cleveland.com/open/2019/07/ohio-nuclear-bailout-bill-held-up-because-of-lawmaker-absences.html

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Long-delayed Finland nuclear reactor to start July 2020 - TVO - Reuters

Long-delayed Finland nuclear reactor to start July 2020 - TVO - Reuters: Finnish Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO) said in a statement on Wednesday that the long-delayed Olkiluoto 3 nuclear plant would start generating electricity in July 2020.

Abilene Christian University nuclear researchers think salt

Abilene Christian University nuclear researchers think salt: ABILENE, Texas (AP) — What's so dangerous about nuclear power? The Abilene Reporter-News reports when you ask the question on the street, a number of different answers come up. But the two...

Nuclear weapons waste shipped from Idaho to New Mexico

Nuclear weapons waste shipped from Idaho to New Mexico: BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Radioactive waste shipped to Idaho during the Cold War has been compacted and sent out of state for permanent disposal, officials said Wednesday. A U.S. Department of...

Solana Beach council revises take on San Onofre nuclear waste - Del Mar Times

Solana Beach council revises take on San Onofre nuclear waste - Del Mar Times: Panel pushes for quicker action, safe handling

South Africa ‘needs additional nuclear capacity’; NorthStar six months ahead of schedule at Vermont Yankee

https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/south-africa-needs-additional-nuclear-capacity-northstar-six-months-ahead-schedule-vermont-yankee?utm_campaign=NEI%2018JUL19%20Newsletter%20%28NEIsmr%20Token%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=8e15821afbee4a4ea1932315f2a7a628&elq=c9152933b425478186182a5ba95cb0a9&elqaid=46355&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=27343

First all-digital nuclear reactor system installed in U.S.

https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/first-all-digital-nuclear-reactor-system-installed-us?utm_campaign=NEI%2018JUL19%20Newsletter%20%28NEIsmr%20Token%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=4ad80317a3b24ed995b5097515aab0d4&elq=c9152933b425478186182a5ba95cb0a9&elqaid=46355&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=27343

Composite Structural Technology “industry-changing” for safety, economies

https://analysis.nuclearenergyinsider.com/composite-structural-technology-industry-changing-safety-economies?utm_campaign=NEI%2018JUL19%20Newsletter%20%28NEIsmr%20Token%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elqTrackId=a3b91f1943ac4746ae6b624497e62aad&elq=c9152933b425478186182a5ba95cb0a9&elqaid=46355&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=27343

Rio Tinto completes Rössing sale to China - World Nuclear News

Rio Tinto completes Rössing sale to China - World Nuclear News: Rio Tinto has completed the sale of Rössing, the world's longest-running open pit uranium mine, to China National Uranium Corporation Limited for an initial cash payment of USD6.5 million plus a contingent payment of up to USD100 million.

Olkiluoto faces further delay to July 2020 - World Nuclear News

Olkiluoto faces further delay to July 2020 - World Nuclear News: Commissioning of the EPR at Olkiluoto in Finland has been delayed again, this time by six months to July 2020, utility Teollisuuden Voima Oyj said yesterday. The new date was given in an updated schedule for the OL3 EPR unit from the plant supplier Areva-Siemens Consortium.

Viewpoint: Nuclear's small role in humanity's biggest adventure - World Nuclear News

Viewpoint: Nuclear's small role in humanity's biggest adventure - World Nuclear News: On 21 July, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon. During the brief few hours he and Buzz Aldrin spent on the surface they deployed a suite of scientific experiments, some of which would depend on radioisotope heaters to protect them from the harsh lunar night. Dr Jonathan Cobb, senior communication manager at World Nuclear Association, describes nuclear technology's role in the historic event.

The Path to Net-Zero – Part 2, Rev b | The Energy Collective Daily

China launches small reactor project in push for nuclear dominance - Reuters

Nuclear plant rescue clears Ohio Senate, but House punts | Toledo Blade

Nuclear plant rescue clears Ohio Senate, but House punts | Toledo Blade: COLUMBUS — Whether labeled a corporate bailout or the rescue of 1,400 direct jobs, a controversial bill requiring consumers to reach into their pockets to ...

Inside the next generation of nuclear energy - Axios

Inside the next generation of nuclear energy - Axios: NuScale is the first company to work with federal regulators on a new generation of nuclear power.

PG&E Making Substantial Progress on Wildfire Safety Efforts to Protect Customers, Communities | PG&E

PG&E Making Substantial Progress on Wildfire Safety Efforts to Protect Customers, Communities | PG&E: PG&E Making Substantial Progress on Wildfire Safety Efforts to Protect Customers, Communities

PG&E Makes Changes To 2019 Wildfire Safety Program - San Francisco News

PG&E Makes Changes To 2019 Wildfire Safety Program - San Francisco News: SAN FRANCISCO—Pacific Gas and Electric company (PG&E), California’s largest natural gas and electric utility, announced their Community Wildfire Safety Program’s progress in a news release on Monday, July 15. The program was introduced in February 2019 and its main objective is to “enhance, accelerate, and [provide] new programs that PG&E is and will aggressively continue …

Editorial: New California wildfire plan has a catch -- and it's a big one

Editorial: New California wildfire plan has a catch -- and it's a big one: Success of legislation hinges on new board, new PUC president’s ability to force PG&E to put safety before profits

PG&E bondholders seek control of bankrupt CA utility | The Sacramento Bee

PG&E bondholders seek control of bankrupt CA utility | The Sacramento Bee: PG&E Corp.’s bondholders are offering billions to take over the bankrupt utility as part of a plan to pay claims from the Camp Fire and other California wildfires. Utility has $30 billion in liabilities.

Sacramento News & Review - California’s new wildfire plan - News - Local Stories - July 18, 2019

Sacramento News & Review - California’s new wildfire plan - News - Local Stories - July 18, 2019: 5 things to know.

PG&E talks emergency service shutdowns | Corning Observer | appeal-democrat.com

PG&E talks emergency service shutdowns | Corning Observer | appeal-democrat.com: While Corning may not be a high-risk area for a Pacific Gas & Electric Company utilities shutdown due to inclement weather, the company still felt it necessary to present a

New Details in PG&E Bankruptcy Bonus Battle - NBC Bay Area

New Details in PG&E Bankruptcy Bonus Battle - NBC Bay Area: The federal bankruptcy trustee and the ratepayer group TURN are calling on the federal bankruptcy judge to block PG&E from handing out as much as $16 million in bonuses to a dozen top executives this year.

Three Mile Island’s 60-year shutdown: ‘More akin to a marathon than a sprint’ | Jobs & Employment | pilotonline.com

Three Mile Island’s 60-year shutdown: ‘More akin to a marathon than a sprint’ | Jobs & Employment | pilotonline.com: The Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor shutdown, which is set to begin no later than Sept. 30, will take nearly 60 years and $1.2 billion to complete.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Looking at Reducing Inspections at Reactors

Nuclear Regulatory Commission Looking at Reducing Inspections at Reactors: Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff is recommending that the agency cut back on inspections at the country's nuclear reactors, a cost-cutting move promoted by the nuclear power industry but denounced by opponents as a threat to public safety.

Another Three Russian Nuclear Reactors Offline After Short-circuit Malfunction at Power Plant

Trump administration risks ‘disaster’ with proposals to roll back nuclear safety inspections | The Independent

The Biggest Challenges Facing America’s Nuclear Sector | OilPrice.com

The Biggest Challenges Facing America’s Nuclear Sector | OilPrice.com: The United States has a complicated relationship with nuclear energy, with high costs and souring public opinion presenting a major challenge for the struggling sector to overcome

Ohio Senate passes bill to save state's two nuclear power plants - Reuters

Ohio Senate passes bill to save state's two nuclear power plants - Reuters: The Ohio Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that will create financial subsidies to stop the state's two nuclear power reactors from retiring early, according to market analysts tracking the legislation.

Nuclear power plants: Ohio Senate OKs financial rescue

Regulators propose fewer inspections of nuclear power plants | Energy News Network

Regulators propose fewer inspections of nuclear power plants | Energy News Network: NUCLEAR: A federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission report suggests fewer and less stringent inspections are needed for the nation’s nuclear power plant fleet. (New York Times) ALSO: There is a growing consensus among utilities and policymakers that nuclear power is key for a carbon-free future. (Utility Dive) OIL & GAS: • An LNG export terminal proposed […]

Political Cornflakes: Regulators propose reducing safety inspections of nation’s nuclear power plants - The Salt Lake Tribune

Nuclear industry push for reduced oversight gaining traction - U.S. - Stripes

Nuclear industry has been pushing for less oversight, and it's working - Los Angeles Times

Nuclear industry has been pushing for less oversight, and it's working - Los Angeles Times: Several rollbacks sought by the industry are already approved or pending approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, largely with little input from the general public.

Fewer Inspections for Aging Nuclear Plants, Regulators Propose - The New York Times

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Canada launches environmental assessment of Micro Modular Reactor - World Nuclear News

Canada launches environmental assessment of Micro Modular Reactor - World Nuclear News: The Canadian government has issued the notice of commencement of an environmental assessment for a small modular reactor project proposed by Global First Power with support from Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation and Ontario Power Generation. The companies described the move as a significant "first" for the Canadian nuclear industry.

US Senate committee passes bill promoting advanced reactors - World Nuclear News

US Senate committee passes bill promoting advanced reactors - World Nuclear News: A bill supporting advanced nuclear reactors was among 22 pieces of energy-related legislation approved by the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee yesterday.

DOE Suspends Oak Ridge To Nevada Shipments - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

DOE Suspends Oak Ridge To Nevada Shipments - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Rosatom, Laos, Sign MOU On Nuclear Energy - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Rosatom, Laos, Sign MOU On Nuclear Energy - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Uzbekistan Says Reactor Needs Have Doubled - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Uzbekistan Says Reactor Needs Have Doubled - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Trump Calls For "Fuller Analysis" Of Uranium Imports - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Ukraine Seeks To Make Lemonade Out Of Chernobyl Site - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

Ukraine Seeks To Make Lemonade Out Of Chernobyl Site - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

CNL Awarded Contract To Refuel SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC Investigates Degraded Paint At Fermi NPP - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers

NRC Investigates Degraded Paint At Fermi NPP - News - Nuclear Power News - Nuclear Street - Nuclear Power Plant News, Jobs, and Careers: The latest nuclear news in Nuclear Power Industry about utilities, companies, suppliers in the nuclear energy market.

Senate Nuclear Subsidies Plan Ends Energy Efficiency Requirements | WOSU Radio

Senate Nuclear Subsidies Plan Ends Energy Efficiency Requirements | WOSU Radio: A new version of the comprehensive energy bill, HB6, was introduced in the Ohio Senate on Monday that would charge residential ratepayers $0.85 a month on

Ohio Senate to vote on bill to save state's nuclear power plants - Reuters

Ohio Senate to vote on bill to save state's nuclear power plants - Reuters: The Ohio Senate will likely pass a bill on Wednesday that will create subsidies to avoid the early shutdown of the state's two nuclear power reactors, according to analysts and those watching the legislation.

PG&E Wildfire Policies Provide Opportunities For Tesla, Sunrun, & Others | CleanTechnica

California wants to hear from you on proposed PG&E rate hike

California wants to hear from you on proposed PG&E rate hike: A series of public hearings is being held to allow customers a forum to offer their input, perspective and concern regarding another proposed rate hike by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

As Hedge Funds Fight for Control of PG&E, Here Is How Workers See It - GV Wire

As Hedge Funds Fight for Control of PG&E, Here Is How Workers See It - GV Wire: A top official for the PG&E workers union says he hopes hedge funds that control the utility will develop a revised plan for reorganization.

PG&E says power line inspections revealed 10,000 problems | abc30.com

PG&E says power line inspections revealed 10,000 problems | abc30.com: PG&E inspections of power lines across the state have revealed thousands of problems. Some of the issues required immediate attention.

PG&E using satellite technology in time for 2019 fire season | KRCR

PG&E using satellite technology in time for 2019 fire season | KRCR: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is using first of its kind satellite technology with the goal of being the first to know when a wildfire sparks. With the 2019 fire season underway, PG&E has launched their wildfire tracking system, using heat sensored satellite technology to better track wildfires. According to the utility company's spokesperson, Paul Moreno, PG&E has devoted several years of testing and development to incorporate the wildfire detection and alert system.

Utilities Commission to hold public hearings on PG&E rate hikes | abc10.com

Utilities Commission to hold public hearings on PG&E rate hikes | abc10.com: PG&E wants to raise its rates to "meet precautionary measures to further reduce wildfire risks."

NRC Regulatory Analysis

Rulemaking

Spotlight

Choose a Section

Home > About NRC > How We Regulate > Rulemaking > Regulatory Analysis

Regulatory Analysis

A regulatory analysis is a formal analysis of a proposed government agency requirement, including estimates of benefits and costs that are quantified to the fullest extent possible. The NRC uses regulatory analyses to consider preferred alternatives from the potential courses of action studied. A regulatory analysis contains estimates of benefits and costs with a conclusion as to whether the proposed regulatory action is cost beneficial and documents the analysis in an organized and understandable format.
A regulatory analysis is performed to support numerous actions affecting reactor and material licensees but is always required by NRC policy when an NRC action is expected to impact industry resources. In general, the NRC ensures that all mechanisms used to establish or communicate generic requirements, guidance, requests or staff positions that would affect a change in the use of resources by its licensees include an accompanying regulatory analysis. These mechanisms include rules, bulletins, generic letters, regulatory guides, orders, standard review plans, branch technical positions, and standard technical specifications. Regulatory analyses are used to comply with Office of Management and Budget guidance and executive orders and as a decision tool for policy makers by providing a rationale for action and transparency for agency decision making.
There are three primary documents that the NRC follows when performing regulatory analyses; they are discussed below:
References:

NUREG/BR-0058 "Regulatory Analysis Guidelines of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission"
Management Directive 6.3, "The Rulemaking Process"
Executive Order 12866

Regulatory Analysis Guidelines of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission NUREG/BR-0058 "Regulatory Analysis Guidelines of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission," provides detailed information on the circumstances when regulatory analysis is required at the NRC and the process and components of an effective regulatory analysis.
The Rulemaking Process Management Directive 6.3, "The Rulemaking Process," details the rulemaking process for NRC employees, and describes where and how the regulatory analysis integrates with rulemaking.
Executive Order 12866 Executive Order 12866 contains principles of regulation, and the elements of a cost-benefit analysis that are relevant to regulatory analysis. The NRC, while not bound to Executive Order 12866, as an independent agency, voluntarily complies with certain requirements in the executive order.

First all-digital nuclear reactor in U.S. goes online at Purdue

First all-digital nuclear reactor in U.S. goes online at Purdue: Purdue University scientists say they’ve built the first all-digital nuclear reactor system in the U.S., a big upgrade for a research reactor built in 1962.

Trump is Trying to Revive the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Site

NRC gives go-ahead for SCE to resume spent rod storage for San Onofre nuclear site - Power Engineering

NRC gives go-ahead for SCE to resume spent rod storage for San Onofre nuclear site - Power Engineering: Fuel transfer operations were halted last August when, according to news reports, a 50-ton cannister was wedged in its transport cask and in danger of falling 18 feet.

Nuclear Fuel Transfers At San Onofre Resumes | KPBS

Nuclear Fuel Transfers At San Onofre Resumes | KPBS: It's been nearly a year since the utility had a near-miss accident with one of the canisters.

60 years and more than $1B is what feds say it will take to shutter Three Mile Island Unit 1 | KYW

60 years and more than $1B is what feds say it will take to shutter Three Mile Island Unit 1 | KYW: PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — It will take 60 years to complete, and the price tag is more than a billion dollars.That's what officials are saying it will take to put Three Mile Island's Unit 1 nuclear power plant out of service for good.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission holds public webinar on TMI shutdown plan | WPMT FOX43

Nuclear Regulatory Commission considering plan to reduce inspections

https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/17/politics/nuclear-regulatory-commission-inspections/index.html

Blackhawk LLC., a major Kentucky coal producer, to file for bankruptcy | Lexington Herald Leader

Blackhawk LLC., a major Kentucky coal producer, to file for bankruptcy | Lexington Herald Leader: Blackhawk Mining, LLC., a coal company with 2,800 employees in Kentucky and West Virginia, will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection later this week. It comes just weeks after Blackjewel LLC declared bankruptcy and clawed back employee wages.

Asia Times | Trump declines to criticize Turkey’s Russia missile purchase | Article

Asia Times | Trump declines to criticize Turkey’s Russia missile purchase | Article: Against Pentagon and NATO advice, US president says he is ‘working through’ suspended sale of 100 F-35 fighter jets

Micro-reactors As Cheap As Natural Gas Without Air Pollution – NextBigFuture.com

85% of residents support UAE’s nuclear energy programme, survey reveals

85% of residents support UAE’s nuclear energy programme, survey reveals: Poll shows awareness of country’s ambitious project rising among Emiratis and expats

Russia, Saudi Arabia in talks on new oil, gas, petchems, nuclear cooperation | S&P Global Platts

Russia, Saudi Arabia in talks on new oil, gas, petchems, nuclear cooperation | S&P Global Platts: Russian and Saudi Arabian companies are considering expanding existing energy cooperation to include new joint oil and gas, petchems and nuclear projects, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported Mond

Bangladesh likely to ink nuclear fuel supply deal with Russia | Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh likely to ink nuclear fuel supply deal with Russia | Dhaka Tribune: The BAEC has been implementing the nuclear power project as a government entity

Chinese firm to pick Kenya’s first nuclear power plant location - Daily Nation

Chinese firm to pick Kenya’s first nuclear power plant location - Daily Nation: Government has zeroed in at the Coast, Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana as the most ideal sites.

Three Mile Island nuclear plant shutdown cost: $1.2 billion - The Morning Call

Three Mile Island nuclear plant shutdown cost: $1.2 billion - The Morning Call: The Three Mile Island Unit 1 nuclear reactor shutdown, which is set to begin no later than in Sept. 30, would take nearly 60 years and $1.2 billion to complete. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is outlining Exelon Generation’s plans to decommission TMI Unit 1, whose closure the company announced in May after it became clear the Pennsylvania General Assembly would not approve a financial rescue of the state’s nuclear plants.

US Senate committee passes bill promoting advanced nuclear power plants | S&P Global Platts

US Senate committee passes bill promoting advanced nuclear power plants | S&P Global Platts: The US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed a bill Tuesday supporting advanced nuclear reactor deployment by allowing the federal government to sign long term power purchase agreements

The Middle East Needs Nuclear Power. Here's What America Should Do About It.

The Middle East Needs Nuclear Power. Here's What America Should Do About It.: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait and other Arab countries will have to turn to nuclear power, so let’s address it wisely—today.

Trump Got It Right on Uranium Imports

Trump Got It Right on Uranium Imports: President Trump separated fact from fiction in his decision not to employ trade barriers on uranium imports.

Inside the next generation of nuclear energy - Axios

Inside the next generation of nuclear energy - Axios: NuScale is the first company to work with federal regulators on a new generation of nuclear power.

Intorducing Breakthrough Journal No. 11 Whoe Earth Equity

Introducing Breakthrough Journal No. 11

Whole Earth Equity

The original theme of this issue of the Breakthrough Journal was “Whole Earth Discipline,” celebrating the remarkable contributions of Stewart Brand to environmental consciousness and to the birth of ecomodernism. But as the issue took shape and the essays started to arrive, it became clear that the theme running through this issue is equity.

“Whole Earth Equity” is perhaps a more fitting theme at this particular moment. As we have come to better understand the social and political underside of the digital revolution, Brand himself has been criticized for his part in the development of tech culture and his faith in the democratic potential of personal computing. What in the 1960s and ’70s seemed like a radical celebration of individual agency, egalitarian community, and the liberatory potential of craft and technology has since been read by some as a rejection of politics and institutions and an embrace of a techno-libertarian ethic that has contributed to rising inequality, creating enormous wealth for those at the top of the new tech economy while leaving many more behind.

Ecomodernists too have faced similar criticisms, for what some regard as an unreflective embrace of modernization and for what others charge is a technocratic vision of the future devoid of politics and emancipatory struggle.

At bottom, all of these critiques come back to contested notions of justice, equity, democracy, and technology. What does a just and equitable future look like? Should we be more concerned about the far larger distributional differences in wealth and consumption between the developed and developing world or the smaller disparities closer to home? What are our responsibilities to future generations, to non-human life, and to each other? What circle ought we to draw around the scope of democratic deliberation, and what decisions ought to be made by whom and at what scale?

In this issue: S. Margot Finn on the problem with food justice (as social justice advocates have defined it), Yael Borofsky on the Cape Town water crisis and what happens when environmental concerns blot out those of poverty, Jonathan Symons on the elitism of the anti-extractivist narrative, Leigh Phillips on creating the capacity for global governance through unified global government, and Brandon Keim on a conservation ethic that isn't utility-based. Plus, new this issue, a visual gallery focused on how iconic images can help us envision (and actually work toward) a better future.

Introducing Whole Earth Equity >>>

Head of UN nuclear watchdog reported to be stepping down

Head of UN nuclear watchdog reported to be stepping down: VIENNA (AP) — The United Nations' nuclear watchdog says it can't confirm rumors that its director general is stepping down for health reasons. The International Atomic Energy Agency's press...

Trump decision on uranium imports draws praise from nuclear industry | S&P Global Platts

Trump decision on uranium imports draws praise from nuclear industry | S&P Global Platts: The US nuclear industry, including nuclear plant operators and other fuel cycle companies, applauded President Donald Trump's decision over the weekend not to require US utilities to buy a portion of

Ohio Clean Air Act nears finish line, overdue for FirstEnergy Solutions deadline | WKBN.com

Ohio Clean Air Act nears finish line, overdue for FirstEnergy Solutions deadline | WKBN.com: The Ohio Senate is making progress toward meeting a July 17 deadline.

US Senate committee passes bill promoting advanced nuclear power plants | S&P Global Platts

Extending The Lives Of Nuclear Energy Plants Will Help To Combat Climate Change Threat

Extending The Lives Of Nuclear Energy Plants Will Help To Combat Climate Change Threat: If the global goal is to limit CO2 releases and fight global warming, then one of the smartest moves the U.S. can make is to extend the operating licenses of existing nuclear plants from 60 years to 80 years. Experts say that it can be done safely and that given rising energy demand, it is vital.

PSEG Nuclear president to leave; Carr succeeds Sena - ROI-NJ

PSEG Nuclear president to leave; Carr succeeds Sena - ROI-NJ: PSEG Power LLC announced Tuesday that Peter P. Sena, president and chief nuclear officer of PSEG Nuclear, will be leaving the company, effective July 26. The Newark-based energy supplier said Eric Carr, vice president of PSEG’s Hope Creek Generation Station, will succeed Sena. “Eric Carr’s promotion is the result of robust and thoughtful succession planning,” …

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson rejects call for Energy Secretary Rick Perry's immediate resignation | News | aikenstandard.com

APNewsBreak: Nuclear commission considers fewer inspections

APNewsBreak: Nuclear commission considers fewer inspections: WASHINGTON (AP) — Nuclear Regulatory Commission staff is recommending that the agency cut back on inspections at the country's nuclear reactors, a cost-cutting move promoted by the nuclear power...

Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists Welcoming new Board Members

Welcoming new Board members

The Science and Security Board and the Governing Board of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists are delighted to announce two new members, effective immediately. We welcome Robert Socolow back to the Science and Security Board and Cyndi Conn to her new role on the Bulletin’s Governing Board. Socolow is professor emeritus in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University. From 2000 to 2019, Socolow and Steve Pacala were the co-principal investigators of Princeton's Carbon Mitigation Initiative, a twenty-five-year (2001-2025) project supported by BP. His best-known paper, with Pacala, was in Science (2004): "Stabilization Wedges: Solving the Climate Problem for the Next 50 Years with Current Technologies." That paper introduced the idea of “wedges,” quantitative measurements for identifying the level of effort associated with required climate mitigation strategies.
“I am delighted to welcome Rob Socolow back to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists,” said Robert Rosner, chair of the Bulletin’s Science and Security Board. “Rob’s work on Stabilization Wedges has had a profound impact on how we look at climate mitigation science and policies. His insistence that already-deployed technologies could be scaled up to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rates significantly should cause governments around the world to redouble their efforts to combat catastrophic climate change and inspire citizens everywhere to demand that they do so.”
Socolow was a member of the Science and Security Board from 2008 to 2013 and served as chair for the last two years of his term. The Board is composed of a select group of globally recognized leaders with a specific focus on nuclear risk, climate change, and/or disruptive technologies, and provides the organization with objective external perspective on trends and issues in these fields. Responsibilities include serving as the editorial advisory board of the Bulletin, setting the time of the Doomsday Clock, and tracking trends in global security.

Conn, who is joining the Bulletin’s Governing Board, is the Executive Director of Creative Santa Fe, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using collaboration and the power of the arts to reframe critical issues and drive positive change. Under her leadership, Creative Santa Fe has supported major community events on our shared nuclear future and the impact of climate disruptions.
“Cyndi Conn is widely regarded as a curator of art, ideas, and people,” said John Balkcom, chair of the Governing Board. “She has an extraordinary gift for connecting people to create experiences and partnerships they hadn’t known were possible, and I am delighted that she will be bringing that ability to the Bulletin.”
Conn serves on the Advisory Boards of The Black Mountain Institute, the National Parks Arts Foundation, and the N Square Innovators Network. She holds a master’s degree in Curatorial Studies and Arts Administration from Skidmore College in conjunction with the Tang Museum and a BA in Latin American studies from Tulane University.
The Bulletin’s Governing Board is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and for ensuring the organization operates in a legal, ethical and professional manner.

PG&E Making Substantial Progress on Wildfire Safety Efforts to Protect Customers, Communities | Energy Central

House Democrats Push Back Against Proposed Changes to Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Reactor Oversight Process | Energy Central

NYC blackout turns up heat on Bill de Blasio as utility company warns of more power outages | Energy Central

Europe Set to Race Past US in Battery Manufacturing | Energy Central

NRC Schedules Public Meeting for Comments on Decommissioning Report for Three Mile Island 1 Nuclear Power Plant | Energy Central

Summary of CGNP's Legal Advocacy for the Continued Safe Operation of DCPP beyond 2025

Summary of CGNP's Legal Advocacy for the Continued Safe Operation of DCPP beyond 2025
Gene Nelson, Ph.D. CGNP Legal Assistant 07 16 19
1. PG&E failed to apply for a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from the California Coastal Commission (CCC) before requesting permission to voluntarily close DCPP in 2025. The California Coastal Act grants plenary power to the CCC for "changes in intensity of use" of coastal power plants - and requires a CDP. PG&E followed the proper sequence for permitting when they closed their nuclear-powered Humboldt Bay Power Plant, Unit 3 which last produced power in July, 1976. A full-scope Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared first. This EIR examines the adverse environmental (and economic) impacts of voluntarily closing DCPP in 2025. Each year, DCPP produces the equivalent of more than five (5) Hoover Dams of Electricity without emitting a speck of carbon. DCPP generates this huge amount of power safely and reliably, 24/7 Sun or no Sun, wind or no wind, drought or flood. DCPP is cost-effective. It produces power at a cost that undercuts in-state fossil-fired generation. The "no project" alternative must be disclosed - it is clearly superior. A 2016 cost study commissioned by the Idaho National Lab established that DCPP's power production cost was 2.71 cents/kWh, about 1/10 the 20 cents/kWh trouble-plagued, bird-killing Ivanpah Solar-Thermal plant that burns over 1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year. DCPP's important economic benefit is it pumps over $1 billion in direct and indirect payrolls each year into the Central Coast, per the 2013 Cal Poly economic impact study. (The 2019 UC Berkeley SB 968 study makes fallacious assumptions which invalidate the optimistic conclusions.)
2. PG&E has committed serious ethical violations in providing misleading and deceptive sworn CPUC testimony in A.16-08-006. Simply stated, PG&E lied numerous times to the CPUC. PG&E's sworn CPUC testimony in A.10-01-022 regarding DCPP's relicensing costs - and the benefit of running DCPP at least until 2045 directly contradicts PG&E's 2016 sworn testimony. Given that PG&E's profits would be boosted by billions of dollars from 2025-2045 via the CCR mechanism if four or five new 500 MW natural gas generators must be built to replace DCPP, a trier of fact would determine that PG&E materially deceived the CPUC in A.16-08-006. This information has been reported by CGNP to the Federal Monitor in PG&E's criminal probation in the case USA v PG&E being heard in the Federal District Court in the Northern District of California under Judge William Alsup. This Court is also concerned about PG&E's actions that diminish public safety. These new natural gas demands would stress PG&E's aging natural gas distribution system which failed in San Bruno on September 9, 2010.
3. DCPP's reliable power will be needed for California's public safety and welfare for northern California, particularly under PG&E's new regional public safety power cutoffs that will be occurring for many years during hot and windy conditions. DCPP will be able to supply its reliable power during most of these events.

Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Why House Bill 6 to bail out Ohio nuclear plants is likely headed to passage: Thomas Suddes

Why House Bill 6 to bail out Ohio nuclear
plants is likely headed to passage:
Thomas Suddes
Posted Jun 30, 2019
https://www.cleveland.com/opinion/2019/06/why-house-bill-6-to-bail-out-ohio-nuclear-plants-is-likely-headed-to-passage-thomas-suddes.html
The Davis-Besse nuclear power plant outside Toledo is scheduled to be shut down in less than two years if Ohio ratepayers do not bail out the state's two nuclear plants. (Peggy Turbett/The Plain Dealer, File, 2012)
28
87 shares
By Thomas Suddes, cleveland.com
Predictions aren’t this corner’s strong point, but here goes: The General Assembly, barring the unforeseeable, will force Ohio electricity consumers to subsidize two northern Ohio nuclear power plants. That may not happen this weekend, or this coming week. But it will happen.
The only suspense: How much per month the subsidy bill, House Bill 6, will force each Ohio electricity customer to pay to keep open Lake County’s Perry and Ottawa County’s Davis- Besse nuclear plants, built by what’s now FirstEnergy Corp., but owned by the utility’s FirstEnergy Solutions unit, which plans to become an independent company.
Ohioans required to pay subsidies wouldn’t just be FirstEnergy customers, but also every Ohioan who gets electricity from DP&L, Duke or American Electric Power (AEP).
Some HB 6 backers claim that because the bill (depending on the version discussed) would cut some renewable energy, etc., costs that Ohio consumers already pay, it could make the nuclear subsidy, at worst, a wash for consumers – maybe even net savings. (Voters might want to get that in writing.) Still, these factors make HB 6’s passage a decent bet:

* The Republican-run House has passed it – with some Democratic votes.
* The bailout is pending in the GOP-run Senate, which, after ending its Hamlet act, will pass
the bill.
* Gov. Mike DeWine, a Cedarville Republican, favors a bailout.
* Nuclear bailouts are underway in Democratic-run Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey and New York, arguably making bailouts cross-party.
The bill started in the House, led by Speaker Larry Householder, a Republican from Perry County’s Glenford. Politically speaking, he owes FirstEnergy big-time.
To pass HB 6, Householder crafted it to (a) appeal to as many House members possible and (b) persuade other electric utilities to support, or at least not fight, HB 6.
As to (a), the House-passed bill is said to net out the nuclear subsidy’s cost by stripping renewal energy, etc., mandates from current Ohio law. As to (b), the House-passed bill would help AEP, DP&L and Duke extend Ohio customers’ subsidies (now set to expire in four to six years) of two coal-burning power plants – one in Appalachian Ohio’s Gallia County, the other in Indiana.
Trouble is, the Senate’s (currently proposed) rewrite of HB 6 pulls the rug from under House tweaks – so much that AEP no longer supports HB 6, it told the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. If that’s the bill senators send back to Householder, he’d have his hands full trying to win House agreement in Senate changes. Likelier, he’d call for a Senate-House conference, but Senate-House relations appear less than cozy right now.
Not that the Senate’s version is pro-consumer: “Fundamentally the bill remains a bailout of aging nuclear power plants, at public expense, for bankrupt FirstEnergy Solutions and its big Wall Street creditors,” Michael Haugh, of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, told the committee Thursday. The Consumers’ Counsel is the state agency that represents Ohio’s residential utility consumers.
But facts don’t necessarily kill bills. Some General Assembly members are all but duty-bound to side with contributors. After all, if someone takes you to the prom, you’re more or less expected to dance with him or her. Same thing happens in Columbus. FirstEnergy and Ohio’s other electric utilities are generous contributors to Statehouse campaigns. Whether your name is Fido or Rep. John Doe, it’s never a good idea to bite the hands that feed you. So legislators don’t.
And if you think otherwise, look at the Ohio Revised Code. Or agricultural pollution in the Maumee valley. Or the looming (and likely successful) bid by big retailers and plastic bag peddlers to forbid local governments from banning single-use plastic bags. Legislators may respect Old Glory and motherhood. But campaign donors they revere.
That’s why, at the Statehouse, when utilities and other big-ticket political players want favors, things can suddenly get ... “bipartisan.” That calls to mind what Louisiana kingfish Huey P. Long said. He likened the two parties to a limited-menu restaurant: “They’ve got a set of Republican waiters on one side and a set of Democratic waiters on the other side. But no matter which set of waiters brings you the dish, the legislative grub is all prepared in the same Wall Street kitchen.”

Thomas Suddes, a member of the editorial board, writes from Athens.
To reach Thomas Suddes: tsuddes@cleveland.com, 216-999-4689
Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the “Follow” option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com.
__________
HB 6 is good legislation that will preserve
Ohio’s carbon-emissions-free nuclear
plants: Letter to the Editor
Posted Jul 11, 2019
10
https://www.cleveland.com/letters/2019/07/hb-6-is-good-legislation-that-will-preserve-ohios-carbon-emissions-free-nuclear-plants-letter-to-the-editor.html
By Other Voices
Contrary to the nuclear-phobic rant of Dan Rankin’s letter to the editor (“HB 6 isn’t a clean- energy bill, it’s a bailout for utilities,” July 7), and Bernie Moreno’s paean to jobs whose existence depends on never-ending subsidies (“Ending mandate for clean energy would harm Ohio’s image,” July 7), House Bill 6, despite imperfections, is a good bill. Intermittent sources of power such as solar and wind cannot supply all energy needs; their growth, though desirable, will put strains on the electrical grid unless there is backup from other sources. Nuclear power plants, which emit no CO2, are therefore precious assets. Spending billions to retire them, leaving us with insufficient non-CO2-emitting backup, is hugely wasteful. If the subsidy to FirstEnergy is “corporate welfare,” what does one call the renewable mandate? Why were not those decrying the cost to consumers equally concerned about the cost of the renewable mandate to consumers? Eliminating that mandate is one of the positive features of HB 6.
The better solution, ultimately, is to enact a carbon tax that would price carbon-based fuel to reflect more accurately the externalized costs associated with carbon dioxide emissions. This is far better than politically favoring certain industries or technologies and lets not only and wind power but also carbon extraction, nuclear fission and fusion, hydrogen fuel cells, and other technologies compete for their proper roles in supplying power and controlling greenhouse gases.
Glenn Schreiber, North Olmsted

Michele Kearney's Nuclear Wire