[OKC] [ok-sus] FW: Nuclear Power Bill Advances

[Shauna Struby]

From: Ray Carter [mailto:carterra at okhouse.gov] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 3:13 PM
To: Ray Carter
Subject: Nuclear Power Bill Advances

 



 

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

February 17, 2009

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Scott Martin

Capitol: (405) 557-7329

 

Nuclear Power Bill Advances

 

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation creating the "Nuclear Power Incentives Act"
gained the approval of a state House committee today.

            House Bill 1750, by state Rep. Scott Martin, would establish a
review process for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to consider nuclear
power proposals and also creates a task force to consider tax changes that
would encourage construction of a nuclear power plant in Oklahoma.

            "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," said Martin, R-Norman. "Nuclear power could safely generate a
significant amount of low-cost electricity in Oklahoma."

            Under the bill, an electric utility would be able to file an
application with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission seeking a determination
of need to construct a nuclear power plant.  If the Commission approves the
application, the power plant's costs would be subject to cost recovery rules
promulgated by the Commission similar to existing rules for other power
plants.

When determining whether there is a need for the nuclear power plant, the
bill requires the Corporation Commission to consider the cost of power and
energy from the nuclear power plant "compared to alternatives" and the
benefits of fuel diversity.

The Corporation Commission would be required to respond to applications
within 180 days of filing and the Commission's final order would be
reviewable on appeal to the Oklahoma Supreme Court.  

            House Bill 1750 also creates a nine-member task force to make
recommendations on "an appropriate tax credit for entities investing in a
nuclear power plant" in Oklahoma.

Among other things, the task force will determine if an existing tax credit
for production and sale of electricity by zero-emission facilities should
apply to nuclear power.

The task force would be required to make its recommendations no later than
December 1, 2010.

"Adopting the right tax policy could make a nuclear power plant more
feasible for Oklahoma utilities and the long-term benefits, such as lower
electric bills for consumers, would more than offset the upfront cost to the
state," Martin said. "Nuclear power has a proven track record across the
nation and all over the world and it's time Oklahoma began looking at this
potential energy source."

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.

House Speaker Chris Benge and Martin recently toured a nuclear power plant
in Arkansas.

            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. 

In France, 80 percent of power comes from nuclear plants that have operated
for years without any significant safety incidents. Over the years, Martin
noted that nuclear plant design has become more standardized, thus safer and
cheaper, making it a more viable energy source option. 

            House Bill 1750 passed out of the House Energy Committee today.
It now proceeds to the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

 

For video of Rep. Scott Martin discussing this legislation, go to
www.okhouse.tv.

-30-

 

 

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