CASEnergy Co-Chair Dr. Patrick Moore Visits Arkansas to Tout Benefits of Nuclear
CASEnergy Co-Chair Dr. Patrick Moore visited Arkansas on Oct. 25-26 and met with a variety of individuals and organizations, as well as the media, to emphasize the benefits and opportunities offered by nuclear energy.
On Monday, Oct. 25, Dr. Moore delivered the evening keynote address at the Clinton School of Public Service to a group of about 65 community leaders, students and media. His speech gave an overview of CASEnergy, the growing support for nuclear power in the U.S., the need for nuclear expansion, and highlighted the benefits of nuclear power, including safety, cost advantages and the emissions-free technology. A video of his speech is posted on the school’s website.
On Tuesday morning, Oct. 26, Dr. Moore sat down with a small group of people from Entergy Arkansas’ Low-Income Advocate Group to discuss his background as an environmentalist, and the important role nuclear power plays in U.S. energy policy, as well as in keeping electricity costs low in Arkansas.
Dr. Moore also spoke to a group of about 45 people attending a Business Leaders’ Luncheon at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce to emphasize the economic benefits of nuclear power – specifically how cost-efficient power helps to stabilize energy costs, creating a cost-competitive energy base which attracts new businesses, as well as the lucrative job benefits associated with nuclear. Later that afternoon, he held an informal debrief with a small group of legislative leaders to talk about his role with CASEnergy, his history with Greenpeace, and to answer any questions about nuclear power’s economic and environmental attributes.
Dr. Moore’s trip was covered by a wide array of state media. The state’s top print, business, and radio outlets all interviewed Dr. Moore while he was in Arkansas, including the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the Arkansas Business journal, Talk Business, and KARN radio.
His trip garnered coverage across the state, as both the Associated Press and Arkansas Online (the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s website) previewed Dr. Moore’s speech to the Clinton School, highlighting his support for nuclear as a “sensible environmentalist,” as well as mentioning his affiliation with CASEnergy. The AP dispatch was picked up by several regional and national outlets, including the local ABC and FOX broadcast affiliates and USA Today.
Running in conjunction with his state visit, Dr. Moore’s op ed, “Nuclear Energy: A Sound Investment,” ran in the Arkansas Business journal and was posted to their website on Monday, Oct. 25. The piece touts the positive impact of Arkansans’ investment in both Arkansas Nuclear One and Grand Gulf: “Those investments in Grand Gulf and, before that, in two reactors at Arkansas Nuclear One helped the state get ahead of its growing energy demand and avoid many of the energy price gyrations that have plagued other states that invested less in the industry. Now, 35 years later, thanks to nuclear energy, Arkansans enjoy the 12th cheapest average electricity prices in the nation.”
Dr. Moore also sat down with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for a one-on-one interview prior to his Clinton School address. The piece discusses CASEnergy’s mission and Dr. Moore’s work with the Coalition: “To improve the environment, generate inexpensive power and reduce carbon emissions, Moore and his coalition encourage the United States to emphasize renewable energy – hydroelectric, biomass, geothermal and nuclear power.”
Tuesday morning, Oct. 26, Dr. Moore appeared on the popular morning drive talk radio program hosted by Bob Steel on KARN, the flagship station of the Arkansas Radio Network. In the interview broadcast across the state on both AM and FM channels, Dr. Moore talked about nuclear power’s excellent safety record and environmental benefits.
Recapping Dr. Moore’s trip, in an Oct. 26 piece titled “Greenpeace Co-founder Touts Nuclear Energy,” business publication Talk Business covered the full agenda of his visit to Little Rock, including the meetings with Entergy Arkansas’ Low-Income Advocates, the Business Leaders’ Luncheon, debrief with key state government leaders interested in environmental policy, as well as his keynote address at the Clinton School. In the story, Dr. Moore highlights the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear power, with specific regard to Arkansas: “I hope the people of Arkansas understand what a powerful resource they have through nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is helping stabilize their electricity costs, preserve Arkansas’ splendid natural resources, and provide a bright future for all.”
