George Voinovich: “In September, for the first time in over 30 years, a license application to build a new nuclear power plant was filed…”

“In September, for the first time in over 30 years, a license application to build a new nuclear power plant was filed with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Three more applications soon followed. The NRC expects to receive 18 more applications within the next two years for a total of more than 30 new reactors. Although no applicant has yet made a firm commitment to build, a number of them have made significant investments, such as ordering long-lead construction items. Internationally, the resurgence seems to be moving at a faster pace. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, there are 34 reactors in various stages of construction in 14 countries. The underlying political climate for nuclear power has changed over the past several years, influenced by a confluence of factors: the growing demand for electricity, sharp increases in the prices of natural gas and oil, and the increased emphasis on clean energy. Recent government policies, such as the Energy Policy Act of 2005, have certainly helped in stimulating private sector investment for new nuclear as part of a portfolio of 'environmentally clean' energy projects.”