Sunday, March 11, 2007

First Nuclear Power Site Approval in 30 Years

Leave it to those "Free Market" Bush Republicans to set up a nice $114 million "Big Gummint" program to help out their friends.

Nuclear Power Industry Wins First Site Approval in 30 Years

Environment News Service
March 9, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC, March 9, 2007 (ENS) - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission Thursday approved the first Early Site Permit for a nuclear power plant - demonstrating a new and previously untested licensing process for locating new nuclear plants in the United States. Critics say new nuclear plants are not needed if energy conservation is implemented.

The approval - for Exelon Generation Company's Clinton site, in central Illinois - was hailed by U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman as "a major milestone" in the Bush administration's plan to expand the use of nuclear power.

"NRC approval of the Clinton Early Site Permit represents a major accomplishment in this administration’s effort to address the barriers and stimulate deployment of new nuclear power plants in the United States," Bodman said.

"By demonstrating effectiveness and predictability in the licensing process, utilities will have the information they need to make sound business decisions that can lead to the construction of new nuclear power plants," he said.

The Early Site Permit resolves environmental, site suitability and emergency planning issues with regard to the possible construction and operation of a new nuclear plant next to the Clinton Power Station in Clinton, Illinois. Exelon has not decided to move forward with building a new nuclear plant.
Please note that the 2008 budget request proposed by Our Dear Leader includes $874.2 million, a 38.2 percent increase for the Office of Nuclear Energy. $114 million will go to complete the remaining Early Site Permit demonstration projects and continue New Nuclear Plant Licensing Demonstration projects.

It's Sunday morning so preach me that little sermon about how those "inner-city welfare queens" need to get rid of their debilitating "dependency" on "Big Gummint" handouts.



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