[OKC] FW: Reynolds' Bill Would Ease Path for Nuclear Power

[Shauna Struby]

fyi

 

From: Ray Carter [mailto:carterra at okhouse.gov] 
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 2:32 PM
To: Ray Carter
Subject: Reynolds' Bill Would Ease Path for Nuclear Power

 



 

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

December 19, 2008

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Mike Reynolds               

Capitol: (405) 557-7337                                  

 

Reynolds' Bill Would Ease Path for Nuclear Power

 

OKLAHOMA CITY - In an effort to diversify Oklahoma's energy supplies, state
Rep. Mike Reynolds plans to refile legislation that will streamline the
state permitting process for a nuclear power plant.

            "Nuclear power has proven to be a safe and cost-effective way to
generate power in nations across the globe," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City.
"Unfortunately, the industry has been held back in this country by outdated
fears and uninformed views generated more by science fiction movies than
scientific data."

Reynolds' "Safe Inexpensive Energy for Oklahomans Act" would make the
Oklahoma Corporation Commission the "sole forum for the determination" of
nuclear power plant applications in state government to streamline and
simply the state permitting process.

The commissioners would be required to consider the need for electric system
reliability and integrity, the need for adequate electricity at a reasonable
cost, the need for fuel diversity and supply reliability, and whether the
proposed plant is the most cost-effective alternative available when making
their determination.

Under the legislation, the commission would be required to hold a hearing
within 90 days of the filing of the petition and would have to issue an
order granting or denying the petition within one 135 days of the filing of
the petition.

"There is a national consensus that we need to diversify our energy supplies
and reduce dependence on foreign oil," Reynolds noted. "The ripple effects
of that change will not only affect how we fuel our cars, but also how we
generate electricity and nuclear power clearly needs to be part of the
discussion."

            Reynolds filed similar legislation last year that did not
receive a committee hearing, but he noted support for the concept is
growing.

            House Speaker Chris Benge, R-Tulsa, toured an Arkansas nuclear
plant this week and has begun unveiling an energy initiative to bolster
local alternative energies and lessen the nation's dependence on foreign
sources of energy. 

There are currently 104 nuclear plants in the United States in 34 states,
with none in Oklahoma. According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, there are
17 applications for 26 nuclear plants currently under consideration.

            More than 100 nuclear plants are being built or planned right
now across the world, with about half in China, India and other developing
nations. Argentina, Brazil and South Africa have plans to expand existing
nuclear energy programs, and Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt and Turkey are
currently looking into possible nuclear energy options. 

            France generates 80 percent of its power from nuclear plants
that have operated for years without any significant safety incidents. 

            "With Oklahoma at the crossroads of the proposed national power
grid, we are uniquely positioned to provide energy for all Americans, as
well as Oklahomans," Reynolds said. "This legislation could lead to
significant economic development in Oklahoma. Obviously, building nuclear
power plans would lead to millions, if not billions, of dollars being
invested in our state."

 

-30-

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