CASEnergy Coalition

Nuclear Notables

Elected Officials on Nuclear

President Barack Obama, responding to the Energy Action Coalition during the “CitizenTube Interview with President Obama” on February 1, 2010: “No matter how fast we ramp up [alternative] energy sources, we will still have enormous energy needs that will be unmet by alternative energy. The question, then, is where will that [energy] come from? Nuclear energy has the advantage of not emitting greenhouse gases… We are mindful of the concerns about the storage of spent fuel, and the concerns about security, but we still think it is the right thing to do if we are serious about dealing with climate change.”

President Barack Obama in his first State of the Union address, expressing his support for the expansion of nuclear power in the U.S. as part of his clean energy jobs initiative, January 27, 2010: “To create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives. That means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country.”

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), arguing for the expansion of the current nuclear fleet in his op-ed, “Fission Baby, Fission,” for National Review’s Special Energy Issue, November 2, 2009: “Why don’t we build 100 new nuclear reactors over the next 20 years, as we did between 1970 and 1990? We would lead the world in fending off global warming, vastly improve our energy security, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and provide ourselves with clean, reliable, low-cost power…According to Energy Secretary Chu – a Nobel Prize-winning scientist – the nuclear-energy industry’s [safety] record is ‘really very, very good.’”

Rep. John Dingel (D-MI), Chair Emeritus of the Energy & Commerce Committee, in response to the question “Where are the green jobs going to come from?” during “The Promise of Green Jobs” conference held in Washington, D.C., on October 29, 2009: “Windmills, solar, and obviously nuclear, nuclear is a necessary component.”

President Barack Obama urging the pursuit of clean energy, including nuclear, as part of a national solution to mitigate climate change, during a speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, October 23, 2009: “Everybody in America should have a stake in legislation that can transform our energy system into one that’s far more efficient, far cleaner, and provide energy independence for America — making the best use of resources we have in abundance. Everything from…creating safe nuclear power…and then the energy that we can harness from wind and the waves and the sun.”

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AK), Chair of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, in a Q & A interview with the National Journal, “Lincoln: More Than One Way To Lower Carbon,” on October 23, 2009: “There are a lot of people out there that recognize we’re not going to be able to get from where we are to where we want to be in carbon emissions without a strengthened nuclear. The Senate energy bill does that and expands domestic oil and gas production. We create a clean energy bank that facilitates new energy technology.”

President Barack Obama speaking about increasing clean energy, including nuclear, as part of a national policy to mitigate climate change, during a town hall in New Orleans, October 15, 2009: “What I think we need to do is increase our domestic energy production…There’s no reason why technologically we can’t employ nuclear energy in a safe and effective way. Japan does it and France does it and it doesn’t have greenhouse gas emissions, so it would be stupid for us not to do that in a much more effective way.”

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), ranking member of the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee, touting new nuclear’s job creation potential in his op ed, “Heavy price for emissions rollback,” for The Hill’s Special Report on Energy, September 30, 2009: “A principal component of our legislation calls for the construction of 100 new nuclear reactors over the next 20 years. According to data from Oxford Economics, building 100 new nuclear reactors and an appropriate number of enrichment and reprocessing plants over the next 20 years would create over 1 million new jobs. Nuclear is not only emissions-free, but renewing our commitment to nuclear power will create countless jobs at a time when our nation endures near double-digit unemployment.”

Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA), a co-signatory of the CASEnergy Jobs Report, recently discussed nuclear’s role in a clean energy policy in his guest blog post for The Heritage Foundation: “As the representative of Pennsylvania’s Fourth Congressional District, I represent an area that has long been a national leader in America’s nuclear industry…Despite the gains our nation has made in recent years in becoming more energy efficient, there is no doubt that our nation’s electricity use will grow significantly in the coming years. Given this reality, we need to ensure that our government is taking steps that will facilitate, and not impede, the progress of America’s nuclear energy industry.”

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s subcommittee on National Parks, during a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), as quoted in the Denver Post, August 24, 2009: “I agree with Sen. McCain that nuclear power has to be part of the mix… It is clear that if we want to respond to climate change, nuclear power has to be part of the solution.”

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), speaking on ABC’s This Week with George Stephanopoulos, August 23, 2009: “I believe that the only way we’re going to truly reduce greenhouse gas emissions effectively is with nuclear power.”

David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary for Policy and International Affairs, Department of Energy, speaking during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on Climate Change and Clean Energy, August 6, 2009: “Today, nuclear power provides 20 percent of our electricity and 70 percent of our carbon-free electricity. The Obama administration is committed to restarting the domestic nuclear power industry and is working on $18.5 billion in loan guarantees for nuclear power plants. A cap-and-trade mechanism, as part of comprehensive legislation, provides important advantages for nuclear power in the competition against other energy sources that emit greenhouse gases.”

Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), speaking during a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing on Climate Change and Clean Energy, August 6, 2009: “I hear our colleague from Tennessee, Senator Alexander, continue to ask why not more nuclear and I think the question is a fair one. I remember when nuclear was a dirty word around here. Now, we’ve seen applications come in for people who want to make the investment [in nuclear energy] and I think certainly we have to look at that more seriously.” Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA), in a statement introducing the Streamline America’s Future Energy (SAFE) Nuclear Act, July 31, 2009: “Nuclear energy is a viable, clean alternative that can help strengthen America’s energy infrastructure now. Nuclear power can reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and reduce the emissions that come from burning fossil fuels. Our regulatory structure should be encouraging innovation, not stifling it.”

Sen. Chet Edwards (D-TX), commenting on nuclear energy’s inclusion in the House Climate Bill, during a House Budget Committee hearing, July 16, 2009: “We just passed a bill to try to address global warming. I’m one of those who believes that building more nuclear power plants is a safe way to provide energy and power for our country without contributing to global warming. [There are] those of us who believe, as the Secretary of Energy said in answer to my question a few weeks ago, we need more nuclear power plants given they are about 20 percent of our utility power supply.”

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN.), speaking about nuclear power at the Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association annual meeting, July 17, 2009: “I believe nuclear is our only option for large amounts of clean, low-cost energy,”

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK), discussing nuclear power in an op-ed, “Nuclear energy must be part of the equation,” in Politico’s Special Section: Energy Test: Cap and Trade, July 13, 2009: “Listen carefully in Washington, and almost everyone agrees that nuclear energy must be a part of our future domestic energy mix, and for good reason: Nuclear energy is the world’s largest source of carbon-free energy, generating over 70 percent of our emission-free electricity here in the U.S. Nuclear energy is a clean, safe, reliable and domestic source of affordable energy that has created 15,000 new jobs in the last year.”

Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA), discussing clean energy, in an op-ed, “The New Apollo Program,” in Politico’s Special Section: Energy Test: Cap and Trade, July 13, 2009: “Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can create American jobs by boosting emerging sectors of the clean energy economy… For coal-based electricity and nuclear power, this bill (the American Clean Energy and Security Act) and the Clean Energy Deployment Administration (CEDA) provide support to grow low-emissions forms of these energy sources.”

Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R- MN), during CNN’s State of the Union, June 28, 2009: “I’ve been a strong supporter of renewable, clean and secure energy. I’ve been a strong supporter of finding ways to reduce emissions. But the way to do that is through conservation, doing things for base-load power, like nuclear energy, bringing on more fuel-efficient vehicles online.”

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), discussing energy policy on CBS’ Face the Nation, June 28, 2009: “Nuclear energy is an enormous part of this country’s future in electricity generation.”

President Barak Obama, delivering remarks on energy legislation, June 25, 2009: “The energy bill before the House will finally create a set of incentives that will spark a clean energy transformation of our economy. It’ll spur the development of low carbon sources of energy, everything from wind, solar and geothermal power, to safe nuclear energy and cleaner coal.”

Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC), speaking about the energy and climate bill in an interview for MSNBC, June 25, 2009: “There are so many reasonable concerns when it comes to energy…there are some of us who really believe that the only way that we can get to where we need to be is through nuclear energy.”

Rep. Joe L. Barton (R-TX), discussing the benefits of nuclear energy during an interview on FOX News, June 10, 2009: “Most of the opinion polls show that somewhere between 60 and 70 percent of the American public support nuclear power. It is zero emissions. It is cost effective.”

Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL), speaking at a news conference on the House Republicans’ Alternative Energy Bill, June 10, 2009: “Nuclear power has to be a strong part of an all-the-above energy strategy that is American energy for our safety and our security and low-cost power.”

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, testifying before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, June 3, 2009: “We are very open, as part of the Obama energy comprehensive plan, to looking at nuclear as being part of our energy program for the nation.”

Catherine Radford Zoi, Nominee, Assistant Secretary, Efficiency and Renewable Energy, testifying before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, June 2, 2009: “I believe that nuclear power is a non-carbon-emitting energy source that’s very important to our economy. It’s 20 percent of our electricity.”

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), speaking at the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit on nuclear power, May 27, 2009%: “The way both to deal with global warming and to keep our jobs is to encourage what is being called the ‘Nuclear Renaissance’ and start making nuclear energy the backbone of a new industrial economy.”

Secretary Steven Chu, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, testifying in front of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development during a hearing on the Energy Department, May 19, 2009: “I do want very much to restart the nuclear industry…we’re in the final review of a number of proposals for the loan guarantees and so that is something that has a very high priority to me.”

Senator Grassley (R-IA), speaking about the Climate Bill during a teleconference, May 19, 2009: “My approach to the global warming issue is nuclear energy, number one, because nuclear is non-polluting.”

Representative Steny Hoyer (D-MD), speaking to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for 21st Century Energy on steps Congress is currently taking to enact comprehensive energy reform, May 13, 2009: “I don’t think we can get from here to where we want to be without nuclear.”

Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN), on nuclear energy, May 12, 2009: “We need to move forward aggressively with expanding nuclear energy as a renewable energy source.”

Secretary Steven Chu, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy, in an article published in United Press International, May 6, 2009: “As a zero-carbon energy source, nuclear power must be part of our energy mix as we work toward energy independence and meeting the challenge of global warming. The next generation of nuclear power plants…will require the latest advancements in nuclear science and technology. These research and development university awards will ensure the United States continues to lead the world in the nuclear field for years to come.”

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), comments on nuclear energy during a hearing on the American Clean Energy Security Act of 2009, April 24, 2009: “[The] EPA’s own analysis said that, in order to meet the targets set in this bill, there has to be a 200 percent increase in nuclear [power].”

Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and U.S. Senator from Michigan Spencer Abraham, April 22, 2009: “Without nuclear power continuing to play as big a role in the nation’s energy mix as it does today, there is little chance the United States will make much headway in terms of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.”

Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD), PBS Planet Forward, April 15, 2009: “I’m very much in favor of nuclear energy, and I believe that the sort of technology that is now being employed in Europe and by the French, in particular, is something that needs to come to the United States. Certainly over the short term, I believe it holds a tremendous amount of promise, and I think that we need to catch up. I think we’re way behind the ball on nuclear energy.”

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO), in an interview with National Geographic magazine for a special edition, Energy for Tomorrow, April, 2009: “When people tell me that they’d like to get to a carbon-free world without nuclear power, I tell them that I would, too. However, I don’t think that we can get from here to there as quickly as we need to solely with renewables, because we still have to clear some big technical and political hurdles. Therefore, nuclear has to be part of the overall approach.”

Senator David Vitter (R-LA), speaking at the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety hearing entitled, “Three Mile Island: Looking Back on Thirty Years of Lessons Learned,” March 24, 2009: “We have the enormously powerful opportunity for a nuclear renaissance in our country. We need to pursue that aggressively and effectively to meet all of our energy and environmental goals.”

Gov. Ed Rendell (D-PA) on nuclear energy, March 25, 2009: “By no means is [nuclear power] the sole answer to our energy problems, but I think it actually has a definitive place in the whole array of things we need to do to reach our goals of producing enough to meet demand.”

Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), speaking at the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety hearing entitled, “Three Mile Island: Looking Back on Thirty Years of Lessons Learned,” March 24, 2009: “We cannot run this machine called America without a nuclear component.”

Rep. Scott Martin (R-Norman), on nuclear energy, March 18, 2009: “The national drive for energy independence means we need to diversify production and it simply doesn’t make sense to leave anything off the table… Nuclear power could safely generate a significant amount of low-cost electricity in Oklahoma.”

Energy Secretary Steven Chu answering questions from the Senate Budget Committee, March 11, 2009: “I believe nuclear power is an essential part of our energy mix. It provides clean baseload generation of electricity…I don’t see that [the Yucca decision] as preventing going forward with aggressive licensing…Believe me, I want to encourage this thing going forward.”

Sen.John McCain (R-AZ), Acceptance Speech at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, September 4, 2008: “We will attack the problem on every front. We will produce more energy at home. We will drill new wells offshore, and we’ll drill them now. We will build more nuclear power plants. We must use all resources and develop all technologies necessary to rescue our economy from the damage caused by rising oil prices and to restore the health of our planet.”
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), Acceptance Speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, August 28, 2008: “As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I’ll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America.”

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC),”Officials recommend more nuclear power,” McClatchy Newspapers, August 23, 2008: “Nuclear must be in the mix, or we won’t get through it.”

Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), “Build on Nuclear’s Potential,” DelawareOnline.com, July 27, 2008: “Today, nuclear power is the largest source of carbon-free electricity, providing roughly 20 percent of our nation’s power. Electricity from nuclear energy helps avoid burning fossil fuels and reduces air pollution and global warming…The 104 reactors in the United States must operate with the highest vigilance. Short-term storage of nuclear waste is being managed well, but long-term options, including reprocessing, are needed and should be a priority of the next presidential administration and Congress…Providing electricity while protecting the environment and growing the economy is hard work, but it is also [sic] presents amazing opportunities. Nuclear power is poised to play a key role in meeting our energy challenges and realizing our potential as the 21st century unfolds.”

Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC), “Nuclear Power Must Be Revisted,” State News Services, July 21, 2008: “Nuclear power is comparable in price to coal and hydroelectric energy. But unlike coal or natural gas, which must be purchased daily, nuclear plants are not subject to large swings in fuel prices. And unlike wind or solar energy, nuclear power can produce electricity at any time it is needed.”

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, CASEnergy Jobs Launch, June 17, 2008: “We need to maintain and grow a safe, clean nuclear industry to protect our nation’s future energy security and reduce the threat of global warming. Congress must provide support and incentives to the nuclear industry to help redevelop its workforce, facilities and capacity, which, in turn, can restore our lead in safe, efficient nuclear manufacturing, while creating tens of thousands of highly-skilled jobs.”

Senator George Voinovich (R-OH), Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety, CASEnergy Jobs Launch, June 17, 2008: “Nuclear power is growing in the world and our own energy and environmental needs can serve as a springboard to rebuild American technology and manufacturing capabilities to something approaching the leadership the nation once enjoyed, contributing to foreign markets as well as supporting our own. A recent nuclear energy roundtable that Senator Carper and I co-chaired in November with representatives of the government, industry, academia, and labor leaders including John Sweeney of the AFL-CIO, confirmed my belief that the ongoing resurgence in nuclear power provides a unique opportunity for the United States to reclaim its leadership role in the advancement of nuclear technologies and revitalizing nuclear component manufacturing base which should create many high paying jobs for American workers.”

Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), Ranking Republican on the House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, CASEnergy Jobs Launch, June 17, 2008: “Through a renewed commitment to nuclear power, we have a unique opportunity, and a responsibility, to simultaneously cut greenhouse gases, maintain the affordability of our electricity supply, and give a boost to our ailing economy. The construction of dozens of new plants on American soil will foster the rebirth of our domestic manufacturing industry and create tens of thousands of new, high-paying jobs. Not only will our environment be better for it, our national security will also be fortified. Millions of households will be powered by zero-emission nuclear power and our nation’s economy will be powered by nuclear as well.”

Bill Saffo, Mayor of Wilmington, N.C., CASEnergy Jobs Launch, June 17, 2008: “In light of what high gas prices are doing not only to our local economy, but our national and global economy, the time to act with respect to alternative and renewable energy sources is now. Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient form of power. Its potential is important to our energy policy nationally. It is proven over the years to be safe and reliable and will play a large role as one of our sources to overcome our dependence on foreign oil.”

John Engler, President and CEO, National Association of Manufacturers, Former Governor of Michigan, CASEnergy Jobs Launch, June 17, 2008: “We must continue to support the expansion of nuclear energy to maintain jobs and economic growth in America. A robust economy demands more energy, even as we pursue alternative means such as conservation and efficiency. Failure to supply those increased energy demands will raise energy costs for manufacturers and consumers and hurt our global competitiveness.”

Former New York Gov. George Pataki and former Iowa Gov. Thomas Vilsak (D), Council on Foreign Relations task force on climate change chairs, June 13, 2008: “Nuclear power plays a strong role in almost every careful assessment of a world with deeply reduced greenhouse gas emissions,”

U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), “How America can achieve true energy independence,” Houston Chronicle, June 12, 2008: “We need more energy! We should be increasing our production of oil, natural gas, clean coal and nuclear power…and those resources should come from America, instead of foreign dictatorships.”

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), “Solving our Energy Crisis,” Morning Joe, MSNBC, June 11, 2008: “There’s no question that nuclear is going to be part of the solution…Under any scenario we’re going to see more nuclear power because it’s just going to be more cost-effective once there’s a price on carbon. And that’s why we need a global warming bill.”

Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State, CNBC’s Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo, May 23, 2008: “Nuclear energy is another clean technology that we should be using and exploring.”

Pete du Pont, former governor of Delaware, chairman of the Dallas-based National Center for Policy Analysis, “Energy and the Executive,” Wall Street Journal, May 19, 2008: “We have failed to allow the construction of new nuclear power plants to add to the 104 that we have in operation. Nuclear power is clean and efficient, but no new nuclear plant construction has been granted permits in the past 30 years.”

Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD), “O’Malley Outlines Necessity for New Reactor in Lusby,” Washington Post, May 2, 2008: “It is a huge moral challenge and it is a moral imperative given what massive new burning of coal will do to the planet if we don’t develop better and cleaner technology, including safer and cleaner nuclear, which is what is . . . planned and talked about in terms of the third reactor…”

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA), The Wall Street Journal’s “ECO:nomics” conference, March 14, 2008: “I think nuclear power has a great future, and we should look at it again,”

Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Congressional Hearing Following Peach Bottom Security Lapse, February 28, 2008: “I think there is no doubt that we need to develop nuclear energy in America because of the great problems associated with the dependence on foreign oil.”

Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara, is the House Majority Leader of the Utah House of Representatives, “Finding energy policy balance,” The Spectrum, March 3, 2008: “We must also explore nuclear power as part of this equation. No solution that is all traditional or all renewable can succeed alone.”

Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), “Nuclear poised to take slice of energy pie,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, February 25, 2008: “Nuclear is a zero carbon producer. It is the type of power production we need to embrace for electricity.”

Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN), “Nuclear poised to take slice of energy pie,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, February 25, 2008: “We’ve reached the point now where we need to take another look at nuclear.”

Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), “Nuclear poised to take slice of energy pie,” Chattanooga Times Free Press, February 25, 2008: “People are simply facing the facts. If you really want to deal with global warming, the only technologies available in this generation are conservation and nuclear power.”

Governor Tim Kaine (D-VA), “Nuclear power on verge of renaissance,” Hampton Roads Daily Press, January 28, 2008: “Virginia has unique attributes within the nuclear industry that provide an opportunity for it to be the leader in nuclear energy.”

Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS), “Taylor says he supports going nuclear,” The Mississippi Press, January 18, 2008: “I am a proponent of nuclear energy…The Navy has been using nuclear power since 1953 and they have not had an accident…”

Rep. Jon Porter (R-NV), “Porter looks at recycling nuclear fuel,” Las Vegas Review Journal, January 18, 2008: “According to the French, there is a shortage of folks in this field; and if we can become the premier state in researching the recycling of nuclear fuel and alternative energy sources, the pressure to open Yucca Mountain might be reduced…”

Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD), “Md. lawmakers to tackle energy, public safety,” Associated Press, January 10, 2008: “O’Malley also said he supports expanding nuclear power at the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power plant.” “”I think it is needed, and I think it should move forward, provided they meet the security concerns and clear the other regulatory hurdles,” O’Malley said.”

Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), Reno News and Review, December 20, 2007: “I’m Cool with Nukes.”

Senator Dick Lugar (R-IN), Brookings Institution event “Energy Security, Energy Urgency: Key Issues Facing the Next President, December 18, 2007: “Continued progress on safety and waste issues is certainly necessary, yet nuclear power offers an abundant alternative to carbon-intensive fuels…The next President must begin a national dialogue on nuclear power that grapples with public concerns over safety and waste disposal and reaches decisions about whether the federal government will encourage the construction of new facilities through liability protection and loan guarantees. But after the dialogue, the necessary facilities must be built.”

Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.), remarks made during House debate of H.R. 6, December 18, 2007: “We need more clean domestic natural gas; we need to open our lands to renewable energy development; we need to utilize our domestic oil reserves; and we need to develop nuclear energy. And this bill is silent about nuclear energy.”

Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), remarks made at nuclear round-table discussion, December 12, 2007: “I just want to underscore that, as we look to the future, nuclear energy has to be a part of it. ” For me, I am absolutely committed to moving the ball down the field ” so that we can look back a number of years from now and know that we won’t lose our edge.”

Senator James Inhofe (R-OK), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, December 10, 2007: “Any credible attempt to drastically reduce carbon emissions must include nuclear energy. You simply cannot ignore the world’s largest source of emission-free energy if you plan to cut carbon emissions and still keep the lights on. Recent EIA analysis of the less-stringent bill included a ‘No Nuclear’ scenario that showed that carbon emissions actually increase by 3%.”

Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), “GOP candidates discuss key business issues,” New Hampshire Business Review, December 7, 2007: I support immediate and rapid development of nuclear energy for the purpose of significantly reducing our reliance on petroleum products.

Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), Statement on the Energy Bill, December 6, 2007: “We also need to look at nuclear energy and devote significant resources to developing cutting-edge ways to meet our energy needs while not unduly harming our environment or our economy.”

Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Energy Bill floor debate, December 6, 2007: “I don’t understand why we won’t talk about nuclear energy on the floor of the House of Representatives when we know that it is one of the cleanest and safest forms of energy we have.”

Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Energy Bill floor debate, December 6, 2007: “I just want to underscore that, as we look to the future, nuclear energy has to be part of it. … For me, I’m absolutely committed to moving the ball down the field … so that we can look back a number of years from now and know that we won’t lose our edge.”

Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Energy Bill floor debate, December 6, 2007: “Lynchburg, Virginia is a major center for a lot of the jobs that maintain our current nuclear reactors. … It’s at least – directly and indirectly – five thousand jobs in my district.”

Gov. Dave Freudenthal (D-WY) “Wyo. Gov sees world carbon emphasis,” Associated Press, November 15, 2007: “But the general perception is that for people like Wyoming that produce uranium, that uranium will be, nuclear facilities will be one of the places where much of the base load comes from going forward.”

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, “Books: ‘A Contract With the Earth’”, Washington Post, November 6, 2007: “I would incentivize dismantling the oldest coal plants and building new nuclear plants. We may be able to get to a clean coal technology, but not in the near future. In the near future nuclear is a much better investment.”

Senator Jim DeMint, R-S.C., “N.C. officials press for nuke disposal,” Charlotte Observer, November 5, 2007: “If we’re going to have low-cost energy and if we’re going to have a clean environment, we have to stop burning coal and have more nuclear power.”

Rep. Sue Myrick, R-S.C., “N.C. officials press for nuke disposal,” Charlotte Observer, November 5, 2007: “Nuclear is clean, it does everything environmentalists want — no emissions, no greenhouse gases.”

Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee, “Huckabee’s Statement on Schip, Carbon Tax,” Wall Street Journal, October 30, 2007: “I support many paths to reducing our emission of greenhouse gases, such as more nuclear power and alternative sources of clean energy.”

Rep. Don Myers (R-Derby), “Even in blustery Kansas, energy from wind is costly to develop,” The Wichita Eagle, October 25, 2007: “It’s never going to be as reliable as a base (nuclear or fossil fuel) power plant,” Myers said. “Generally, the time the wind isn’t blowing is the time everyone needs to use their air conditioning… I would much rather see us paying increased rates for a base power plant, such as nuclear, which in the long run is cheaper on a kilowatt-hour basis.”

Rep. Bob Walker (R-Lincolnville), “Nuclear energy can help power Maine’s future,” Waldo County Citizen, October 23, 2007: “Nuclear power also is environmentally friendly and critical to national security. Nuclear plants have zero emissions of greenhouses gases. Today, nuclear energy supplies 16 percent of the world’s electricity, avoiding the emission of 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide every year.”

State Senator Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), “Limits to expire; lawmakers fear 30 increase,” Times Tribune, October 17, 2007: “I can’t see a better way to go than nuclear for a number of reasons.”

Senator Max Baucus (D-MO), U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on America’s Climate Security Act of 2007, November 13, 2007: “I have heard some of my friends say that the bill does not do enough to incentive nuclear renewable energy and natural gas. Clearly, we will need all of these energy sources to meet the needs of our economy.”

Senator Johnny Isakson: (R-GA), U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on America’s Climate Security Act of 2007, November 13, 2007: “I believe that we should take proactive steps, both personally and as a nation, to reduce our emissions footprint. One of those steps is addressing the carbon issue, and the only way you address that is by reducing the burning of fossil fuel. The only way that you do that substantially is by looking at alternative sources and existing sources, in particular the enhancement of nuclear, cellulose- based ethanol, and other renewable sources.”

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on America’s Climate Security Act of 2007, November 13, 2007: “…And the second is to see if we can’t put together an amendment that speaks to the potential that nuclear can provide in helping to address our dependence on foreign oil and the creation of these greenhouse gases.”

Senator Lamar Alexander: (R-TN), U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on America’s Climate Security Act of 2007, November 13, 2007: “And I agree with Senator Isakson that we ought to be dealing with nuclear. That is an inconvenient truth, as well. That’s most of the solution, along with conservation and efficiency.”

Senator Kit Bond: (R-MS), U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Hearing on America’s Climate Security Act of 2007, November 13, 2007: “We can do, as my colleague from Montana said, have a Marshall Plan for clean energy, get nuclear power, which legislation and governmental action has stalled too long, but which is a very significant part of the solution. We can get a clean portfolio standard.”

Senator Thomas R. Carper (D-DE), October 3, 2007: “Last week, I and several of my colleagues celebrated the submittal of the first license application in over 30 years to build and operate a new nuclear reactor in the United States.

“That is definitely a big deal. What is even more exciting is that application is the first of several expected to be submitted by the end of this year, and possibly dozens more are expected over the next 18 months.”

Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), October 3, 2007: “The renaissance has to include wind and solar, but nuclear is part of it. We have nuclear”

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter (R-ID), “Idaho Gov Puts Focus on Nukes,” Associated Press, October 4, 2007: “Alternative energy, clean energy — those are all great ideas,” Otter said. “But when you take a look at the impact they have and the subsidy they need, solar and wind both are tremendously subsidized. I think there are other clean energy alternatives. I think nuclear is one of them. I’m behind nuclear.”

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX), “Texas’ Energy Leadership,” Beaumont Journal, October 3, 2007: “One of the most promising of these alternatives is clean, safe and cost effective nuclear power… Advances in technology have made our homegrown nuclear power safer and more efficient than ever, and reduced the amount of waste they produce. More than 100 plants currently operate in 31 states.

Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), “Senator rallies around nuclear-plant application”, The New Mexican, September 26, 2007: “This is the first time in almost 30 years that the NRC received a licensing application for a new nuclear power plant,” Bingaman said in a statement. “Nuclear power is an important part of our nation’s energy mix.”

Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), Congress Hearts Nukes, Wall Street Journal, September 25, 2007: “In my judgment, any serious effort to reduce carbon emissions in this country must include nuclear power…Nuclear power is clean, efficient, safe, and across the globe other nations are taking advantage of it.”

State Senator Dennis Stowell (R-Parowan), “Blank check for nuclear power,” Deseret Morning News, September 20, 2007: “Nuclear is going to be a big deal in Utah. There’s going to be a lot of development,” Stowell said. “We’re going to see a big, huge increase in the future in uranium mining.”

State Representative Michael Noel (R-Kanab), “Blank check for nuclear power,” Deseret Morning News, September 20, 2007: “We think in order to meet the base loads that we need in the next 30 years, nuclear has got to be part of that portfolio.”

Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Salon.com, September 11, 2007: “I understand the safety and security concerns with nuclear power and share many of them — I live three miles away from a nuclear power plant. But nuclear power is an option to reduce global warming, which I don’t believe we can afford to take off the menu of options, not when we rely on it for close to one-quarter of our power.”

Representative Gresham Barrett (R-SC), “Three S.C. universities to get nuclear funding,” Aiken Standard, August 24, 2007: “As our nation’s energy needs are vastly growing – discovering educational methods to produce energy from alternate sources have become a great necessity,” said in a prepared announcement. “Research and development has found nuclear power is not only an economically competitive alternate power source but it’s a proven means to energy independence.”

Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC), “Three S.C. universities to get nuclear funding,” Aiken Standard, August 24, 2007: “Our nation as well as our friends and allies throughout the world will benefit immensely from the research the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership is supporting with this grant program.”

Representative Chuck Devore, California State Legislator, “Is Global Warming Serious Enough To Lift Calif. Ban On Nuke Plants”" Investor’s Business Daily, August 22, 2007: “The four reactors [in California] save $2.6 billion a year in natural gas (a nuclear reactor can run on about $30 million of fuel for almost two years) while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 22 million metric tons. Adding four modern reactors would let the electrical sector reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, returning the sector to 1990 levels…”

Representative Joyce Peppin (R-MN), “Nuclear energy offers reliable way to meet rising energy needs”, Minneapolis Star Tribune, August 6, 2007: “Minnesota currently generates 15 percent of its energy from the Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear facilities, and I believe nuclear energy can and should play a much stronger role in meeting our energy demand. Nuclear energy is a renewable, reliable, stable, homegrown energy source that does not emit greenhouse gasses, which many believe cause global warming. It works where other renewable sources are limited. It is impossible to produce solar or wind energy when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, and Minnesota’s climate can be inconsistent in meeting those needs. Nuclear energy does not share those same limitations.”

Senator Harry Mitchell (D-AZ), “Nuclear power gaining steam as clean fuel source,” The Business Journal of Phoenix, August 3, 2007: “We definitely need to look at nuclear power more,” said Sen. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz, in a recent interview with The Business Journal. “There are both environmental benefits and financial benefits. But no matter what, we have to produce energy more efficiently.”

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), CNN YouTube Democratic Debate, July 23, 2007: “Modern nuclear power will allow us to add jobs while improving the environment…there are really no other options capable of generating the large amounts of power we need…I actually think that we should explore nuclear power as part of the energy mix. There are no silver bullets to this issue.”

Governor Charlie Christ (FL-R), “Florida Plan Will Focus on Emissions and Climate,” New York Times, July 12, 2007: “I’ve been pleasantly surprised by people in the utility industry wanting to explore wind and solar and nuclear,” Mr. Crist said in a telephone interview. “That’s very encouraging to me. They see what’s happening and the momentum and energy behind this issue” which, he said, is “moving like a juggernaut.”

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell (D), Letter to Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA): “I am a strong advocate for the creation of a national repository for spent nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. To date, Pennsylvanians have contributed over $1 billion in utility surcharges to the Nuclear Waste Fund for the development of a repository.”

Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), “Parts of energy bill won’t fly,” Knoxville News, June 13, 2007: “A better choice for clean, reasonably priced electricity in Tennessee would be more conservation and efficiency, nuclear reactors and clean coal.”

State Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Wis.), “State Might Take Another Look at More Nuclear”: “What our task force showed is that nuclear is a vital part of that generating portfolio and as plants and technology age, we are very much in a building mode again.”

Statement from Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY), May 24, 2007: “As President, I will work with the scientific community to examine all options for safe, secure storage of nuclear waste as part of a comprehensive national energy policy.”

Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, May 16, 2007: “The restart of this plant [Browns Ferry nuclear power plant Unit 1] is an indication of the growing demand for nuclear power, which is a safe, clean energy source. Nuclear power has turned the corner in this country. As we debate global climate change during this Congress, it is essential that we remember the promise of nuclear energy. In fact, I believe that it is not possible to have a serious discussion about reducing greenhouse gas emissions that does not include nuclear energy as a major power source.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), May 15, 2007: “We must do all we can to increase energy efficiency and conservation. But that alone will not get us there. I like to say our country needs a smorgasbord of options. We must diversify our energy supply and look to alternative and renewable technologies. I firmly believe nuclear energy has to be a part of that conversation – not only to meet the power needs of the future but to tackle the challenges of global climate change.”

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Associated Press, May 10, 2007: ”We need to increase our technology of hybrid cars… We need to increase our use of ethanol and all kinds of alternative fuels, and we need to go back to nuclear power.”

Governor Rick Perry (R-TX), Texas Monthly, May 2007: “There was probably a time when people would have gotten all up in arms that we were for nuclear. Frankly, I think nuclear is the big savior.”

Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT), Las Vegas Sun, April 19, 2007: “I grew up less than a mile away from the oldest nuclear power plant in the country on the Connecticut River. I don’t rule out nuclear power, particularly if you’re serious about global warming.”

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Los Angeles Times, April 9, 2007: “I’ve never been a fan of nuclear energy, but reducing emissions from the electricity sector presents a major challenge. And if we can be assured that new technologies help to produce nuclear energy safely and cleanly, then I think we have to take a look at it.”

Senator Thomas R. Carper (D-DE), Los Angeles Times, April 9, 2007: “Three or four years ago, if you included nuclear, you lost more than you gained,” he said. “Today …  you pick up more than you lose.”

Washington State Sen. Jerome Delvin, R-8th District, Hindustan Times, April 5, 2007: “If Washington wants to avert climate change, let’s convert to nuclear power,” Delvin said. “If the U.S. had 60 percent of its electricity from nuclear power and just 20 percent from coal, not only would we comply with Kyoto, it would be like taking 100 million cars off the road! Instead, they pass a bill that will raise costs, burden the poor and elderly and hurt business – it’s wrongheaded and will do more harm than good.”

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), February 22, 2007: “Nuclear and renewables, particularly solar energy, have to be part of any solutions.”

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, February 22, 2007: “extract more energy from nuclear fuel, reduce the amount of waste that requires permanent disposal and greatly reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation… If we can make GNEP a reality,” Bodman said, “we can make the world a better, cleaner and safer place to live.”

Energy Deputy Secretary Clay Sell, February 21, 2007: “Nuclear power is not a silver bullet, but it must be part of a broader energy strategy that — when combined with advancements in energy efficiency, clean coal technology development, and continued development of renewables — can and will make a difference in the security, environmental, and energy challenges we face.”

Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Election Web site: ” My record is clear. I have supported nuclear power and the obligation of the federal government to take responsibility for nuclear waste…No one knows the costs and benefits of nuclear energy more than the residents of my state.”

Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Joe Lieberman, February 13, 2007: “lawmakers must also have the courage to promote safe climate-friendly nuclear energy. Nuclear power is the ultimate answer to America’s future power-generation needs, U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Wednesday to an international forum of energy-industry executives.”

President George W. Bush, December 20, 2006: “Nuclear power is going to be an essential source, in my judgment, of future electricity for the United States and places like China and India. Nuclear power is renewable, and nuclear power does not emit one greenhouse gas.”

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), December 19, 2006: “The vast majority of the members on my committee support nuclear power, and so do the majority in the Senate. So my focus is on safety, security and research, because I don’t think there is any question that we are going to be seeing new plants.”

Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon, December 11, 2006: “The need to push ahead with new plants is part of a broader effort to build a case for nuclear power as a primary source of new electricity in this country as forecasts about power demand rise…nuclear power as a way to meet escalating energy demand in a way that doesn’t contribute to global warming.”

Energy Deputy Secretary Clay Sell, December 5, 2006: “We must have and ultimately win the public debate on nuclear power and on spent fuel recycling.”

President Jimmy Carter (D): “Absolutely, I do and I always have. I’ve been involved in the early design, the very first nuclear plant to produce any kind of power. Sometimes they would only light up a few light bulbs, and later they became, as you know, producers of a good bit of power. And other nations have gone into nuclear power with no danger to the people around them…France, Japan, many others. There have been a few accidents. We had an accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania when I was president. Nobody was hurt; nobody was killed although there were a whole lot of horrible threats written in the Washington Post. The next day, my wife and I went to Three Mile Island and we went into the control room with TV cameras just to reassure frightened Americans that it was okay. After that, I appointed a committee headed by Admiral Rickover, one of the strictest men I’ve even known in my life. They prescribed ever stricter rules on the monitoring of, you might say, electric power companies to have safety precautions. So yeah, it’s perfectly safe.”

President George W. Bush, February 20, 2006: “As part of our strategy, as part of our way to make sure that the future is bright and that America remains a leader in the world is to understand the promise of nuclear power.”

Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA), February 14, 2006: “[Nuclear power] is a very important part of our [energy] mix today. We cannot afford to be without it at this point. The record across the country is not one of recklessness. The re-licensing has been pretty responsible up until now.”

President George W. Bush, April 28, 2005: “A secure energy future for America must include more nuclear power.”