WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, applauded today’s decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to approve construction and operating licenses for two new nuclear reactors at SCANA’s V.C. Summer plant in South Carolina. After over three decades of inaction, this is the second pair of new reactors approved by the NRC this year.
Chairman Upton made the following statement:
“While long overdue, the green lighting of these two new reactors is a welcome step as we seek to renew our nation’s commitment to nuclear power. Construction and operation of these reactors will help create several thousand construction and operations jobs at the site, including up to 800 permanent, good paying positions. Upon completion, the two reactors will provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electricity for one million South Carolinians for decades to come.
“Nuclear power is a critical part of House Republicans’ “˜all of the above’ plan to meet the nation’s growing energy challenges and restart our manufacturing economy. While nuclear power remains a bright spot in our nation’s energy future, we continue to face roadblocks in developing this important and reliable resource under our nation’s current nuclear leadership.
“Across the globe in Seoul earlier this week, President Obama extolled, “˜let us not forget the astonishing benefits’ of nuclear technology, praising nuclear as a “˜clean energy,’ and yet here at home, the president’s very own hand-picked nuclear chief once again cast the sole vote against licensing the new reactors. Despite the president’s rhetoric, Chairman Jaczko continues to be the lone obstacle blocking a full embrace of our nuclear future. I commend the Commission for its work in approving these licenses, but remain deeply concerned by the politicization that has contaminated it leadership."
