News & Events
Business Leaders (Extended)
“There is simply no silver stake to put in the heart of our energy problems.”
—John Rowe
Chairman, president and chief executive officer
Exelon Corp.
June 9, 2008
“Nuclear generation is … cost-competitive with other forms of generation. Our evaluation included coal, natural gas and other forms of generation, including renewables. Bottom line, nuclear is the right choice for our customers in South Carolina.”
—Kevin Marsh
President, South Carolina Electric and Gas
SCE&G press release
May 27, 2008
“Nuclear power is the only technology we have that can be deployed over the next two decades to address global warming. It is our best hope in the short term until we get to renewables and efficiency.”
—William Johnson
Chairman, chief executive officer and president, Progress Energy
Nuclear Energy Assembly
May 6, 2008
“This country is going to need new nuclear power plants.”
—Robert Malone
Chairman and chief executive officer, BP America Inc.
Nuclear Energy Assembly
May 6, 2008
“We have the history, we have the willpower, we have the programs and, in South Carolina, we have the talent base for a nuclear renaissance. … We have aging plants, and we have a growing demand for energy. … What we offer today is the most advanced nuclear energy technology.”
Tom Zarges
President, URS Washington Division
As quoted in “Indian Land Opens Doors to Nuclear Energy HQ”
The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
May 6, 2008
“We are actually going steadily in the opposite direction. We are not incentivizing investment in oil and gas exploration in this country. We are turning down coal-fired power plants because of concerns about the environment. We are slow to renew the use of nuclear power, so we are digging ourselves into a deeper hole here, in my view.”
—David O’Reilly
Chairman and chief executive offficer, Chevron Corp.
Discussing energy independence with The Wall Street Journal
May 1, 2008
“We think right now that in a carbon-constrained world, nuclear offers very good options. It's not only emissions-free, but we've had proven, sustained performance from our existing units for the last two decades.”
—Ashok Bhatnagar
Senior vice president for nuclear generation development and construction, TVA
Greenwire
April 24, 2008
“We are proud to be involved in the construction of the first new nuclear power facility in the United States in over thirty years. And we realize that many eyes will be upon us … scrutinizing our every action. We welcome this challenge with open arms and the opportunity to prove once again that America’s building trades unions are a trusted and valued partner for anyone seeking a skilled craft work force.”
—Mark H. Ayers
President, Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO
Statement issued regarding the project labor agreement for Calvert Cliffs nuclear construction project
April 15, 2008
“Nuclear power, with its ability to meet our nation’s increasing energy demands without the production of harmful greenhouse gases, is a critical component of America’s future.”
—Mr. George Vanderheyden
President and chief executive officer, UniStar Nuclear energy
“UniStar Nuclear Energy Applauds Agreement Between Bechtel, Building and Construction Union”
UniStar press release
April 15, 2008
“‘This is a great time to be a manufacturer in southwestern Pennsylvania,’ [Greg Hempfling said]. … As Westinghouse Electric Co. enters into multibillion-dollar deals to build new nuclear reactors in China and across the American South, it's sharing the wealth with other companies in western Pennsylvania.”
—Greg Hempfling
Senior vice president and general manager, Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corp.
“Westinghouse’s Nuclear Deals Spawn Work for Pittsburgh Firms”
Pittsburgh Business Times
April 4, 2008
“Nuclear power can be a key part of meeting South Carolina’s growing energy needs. Santee Cooper is ever mindful of our responsibility to provide reliable, environmentally friendly power to our two million direct and indirect customers, and today’s action represents our ongoing plans to keep nuclear power as an option.”
—Lonnie Carter
President and chief executive officer, Santee Cooper
SCANA Corp. press release
March 31, 2008
"'We expect demand for electricity in the Southeast, specifically in Georgia, to increase significantly by 2015 and beyond,' said Southern Nuclear President and Chief Executive Officer Barnie Beasley. 'Nuclear power is a safe, reliable, cost-effective power source that has a low impact on the environment. Submitting this COL application preserves nuclear energy as an option to meet future electricity needs.'"
—Barnie Beasley
President and chief executive officer, Southern Nuclear Co.
Southern Nuclear press release
March 31, 2008
“Nuclear energy helps stabilize the price of electricity while maintaining a diversity of domestic fuel sources. As the demand for electricity in the United States continues to grow, the National Association of Manufacturers supports the construction of additional nuclear power plants that have been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to maintain a diverse portfolio of generating resources.”
—National Association of Manufacturers
Public Policy Positions
March 19, 2008
“Nuclear power today supplies the vast majority of U.S. low-carbon electric energy. Existing plants are safe and efficient, and the next generation promises to be more passively safe and more efficient. While the federal government must first keep its commitment with respect to used nuclear fuel, I am convinced that we will need at least 25-30 new reactors by 2030 if we are to succeed in limiting greenhouse gases.”
—John Rowe
Chairman, president and chief executive officer
Exelon Corp.
Remarks made at the Brookings Institute
Feb. 12, 2008
“For every nuclear plant that environmentalists avoided, they ended up causing two coal plants to be built. … When you ask someone like the NRDC [Natural Resources Defense Council], ‘Do you prefer nuclear or coal?’ they’ll say, ‘We prefer nuclear to coal, but we don’t want either.’ It doesn’t work that way; we need power.”
—Vinod Khosla
Venture capitalist and co-founder, Sun Microsystems
“5 Questions for Vinod Khosla”
Earth2Tech
Jan. 30, 2008
“Nuclear is one of the best alternatives—if not the best alternative—we have for the large-scale production of electricity. It has the least environmental impact of any technology we have. And the least volatility in fuel costs.”
—David Ratcliffe
Southern Co. chief executive officer
As quoted in the Atlanta Business Chronicle
Jan. 11, 2008
“This isn't a Republican issue. It isn't a Democratic issue. It's an American issue.”
—Ron Ault
President, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department
Remarks made concerning the need for more nuclear at the House nuclear roundtable discussion hosted by Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
Dec. 12, 2007
“We are on a critical path to build several new nuclear plants, but the question of whether we move fast or slow down will be based on certain preconditions being met [referencing nuclear loan guarantee provisions]. … We don’t want to build natural gas either, but may have to so the lights don’t go out. Our board has decided to build new nuclear, but it just depends on when.”
—Michael Wallace
President of Constellation Energy Generation Group
Center for Strategic and International Studies meeting in Washington, D.C.
Nov. 28, 2007
“Coal and nuclear account for 50 percent of energy sources. We must work to improve technology and reduce costs, but both carbon and civil nuclear power have to be part of the solution of sustainability.”
—Jeffrey Immelt
Chairman and chief executive officer, General Electric
World Energy Conference
Nov. 14, 2007
“Clearly, nuclear energy is going to start up again.”
—Pierre Gadonneix
Chief executive officer, Electricite de France
World Energy Conference, as quoted by Reuters
Nov. 14, 2007
“Nuclear could potentially solve our problems, given it allows us to produce CO2 -free, secure and abundant electricity.”
—Paolo Scaroni
Chief executive officer, Eni
World Energy Conference, as quoted by Reuters
Nov. 14, 2007
“To achieve a balanced energy policy and promote investments in technologies and reduce greenhouse emissions, we believe Congress should make loan guarantees to the construction of nuclear power plants.”
—John Sweeney
President, AFL-CIO
Roundtable discussion on nuclear work force issues
Nov. 7, 2007
“It is difficult to see how we can overcome climate change without nuclear energy being part of the solution. Nuclear power is green power. It is the only proven, available technology capable of producing vast quantities of safe, reliable and affordable energy with near-zero carbon emissions.”
—Ralph Izzo
Chairman, president and chief executive officer
Public Service Enterprise Group
Forbes op-ed
Sept. 21, 2007
“Let’s face it: We need the low-cost power and environmental benefits that nuclear power provides.”
—Glen Casey
Legislative director
International Brotherhood of Electric Workers
Utility Labor Council of New York State
New York Post
Aug. 13, 2007
“We believe nuclear energy, which now supplies almost 19 percent of Georgia Power’s energy needs, is a clean, cost-effective and safe option for the future.”
—Chris Womack
Executive vice president, Georgia Power
Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed
July 19, 2007
“It’s hard to believe simultaneously in energy security and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions without believing in nuclear power. It's just intellectually dishonest.”
—Jeff Immelt
Chairman, General Electric
Nightly Business Report
July 9, 2007
“The fuel of the future of course is going to be nuclear power. Got to have it; got to use it. It's clean. There have been no accidents with it, and you can get rid of the waste.”
—T. Boone Pickens
Founder and chairman, BP Capital
Dallas Business Journal interview
June 1, 2007
“We’ve got to do something to replace fossil fuels. We’re addicted to oil. ... That’s got to change and fast, and that means alternative sources, wind power, solar power, even the nuclear option may have to come back.”
—Lee Iacocca
CNBC interview
May 5, 2007
“I'd push for a reactivation of nuclear power as a viable option. It's time to stop running scared from Chernobyl and start realizing that we now have the systems and technology to build fail-safe nuclear power plants. All over the European Union, they're investing in building cleaner, safer nuclear power plants. Europe derives about one third of its electricity from nuclear power. … The United States is lagging far behind in nuclear energy, when we should be on the leading edge.”
—Lee Iacocca
“Where Have All the Leaders Gone?”
April 2007
“It’s difficult to fight against climate change and at the same time to be against nuclear power, because you have not a lot of ways to produce energy without carbon dioxide emissions.”
—Anne Lauvergeon
Chief executive officer, AREVA
“Vive les Nukes”
“60 Minutes” (CBS)
April 10, 2007
—John Rowe
Chairman, president and chief executive officer
Exelon Corp.
June 9, 2008
“Nuclear generation is … cost-competitive with other forms of generation. Our evaluation included coal, natural gas and other forms of generation, including renewables. Bottom line, nuclear is the right choice for our customers in South Carolina.”
—Kevin Marsh
President, South Carolina Electric and Gas
SCE&G press release
May 27, 2008
“Nuclear power is the only technology we have that can be deployed over the next two decades to address global warming. It is our best hope in the short term until we get to renewables and efficiency.”
—William Johnson
Chairman, chief executive officer and president, Progress Energy
Nuclear Energy Assembly
May 6, 2008
“This country is going to need new nuclear power plants.”
—Robert Malone
Chairman and chief executive officer, BP America Inc.
Nuclear Energy Assembly
May 6, 2008
“We have the history, we have the willpower, we have the programs and, in South Carolina, we have the talent base for a nuclear renaissance. … We have aging plants, and we have a growing demand for energy. … What we offer today is the most advanced nuclear energy technology.”
Tom Zarges
President, URS Washington Division
As quoted in “Indian Land Opens Doors to Nuclear Energy HQ”
The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
May 6, 2008
“We are actually going steadily in the opposite direction. We are not incentivizing investment in oil and gas exploration in this country. We are turning down coal-fired power plants because of concerns about the environment. We are slow to renew the use of nuclear power, so we are digging ourselves into a deeper hole here, in my view.”
—David O’Reilly
Chairman and chief executive offficer, Chevron Corp.
Discussing energy independence with The Wall Street Journal
May 1, 2008
“We think right now that in a carbon-constrained world, nuclear offers very good options. It's not only emissions-free, but we've had proven, sustained performance from our existing units for the last two decades.”
—Ashok Bhatnagar
Senior vice president for nuclear generation development and construction, TVA
Greenwire
April 24, 2008
“We are proud to be involved in the construction of the first new nuclear power facility in the United States in over thirty years. And we realize that many eyes will be upon us … scrutinizing our every action. We welcome this challenge with open arms and the opportunity to prove once again that America’s building trades unions are a trusted and valued partner for anyone seeking a skilled craft work force.”
—Mark H. Ayers
President, Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO
Statement issued regarding the project labor agreement for Calvert Cliffs nuclear construction project
April 15, 2008
“Nuclear power, with its ability to meet our nation’s increasing energy demands without the production of harmful greenhouse gases, is a critical component of America’s future.”
—Mr. George Vanderheyden
President and chief executive officer, UniStar Nuclear energy
“UniStar Nuclear Energy Applauds Agreement Between Bechtel, Building and Construction Union”
UniStar press release
April 15, 2008
“‘This is a great time to be a manufacturer in southwestern Pennsylvania,’ [Greg Hempfling said]. … As Westinghouse Electric Co. enters into multibillion-dollar deals to build new nuclear reactors in China and across the American South, it's sharing the wealth with other companies in western Pennsylvania.”
—Greg Hempfling
Senior vice president and general manager, Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corp.
“Westinghouse’s Nuclear Deals Spawn Work for Pittsburgh Firms”
Pittsburgh Business Times
April 4, 2008
“Nuclear power can be a key part of meeting South Carolina’s growing energy needs. Santee Cooper is ever mindful of our responsibility to provide reliable, environmentally friendly power to our two million direct and indirect customers, and today’s action represents our ongoing plans to keep nuclear power as an option.”
—Lonnie Carter
President and chief executive officer, Santee Cooper
SCANA Corp. press release
March 31, 2008
"'We expect demand for electricity in the Southeast, specifically in Georgia, to increase significantly by 2015 and beyond,' said Southern Nuclear President and Chief Executive Officer Barnie Beasley. 'Nuclear power is a safe, reliable, cost-effective power source that has a low impact on the environment. Submitting this COL application preserves nuclear energy as an option to meet future electricity needs.'"
—Barnie Beasley
President and chief executive officer, Southern Nuclear Co.
Southern Nuclear press release
March 31, 2008
“Nuclear energy helps stabilize the price of electricity while maintaining a diversity of domestic fuel sources. As the demand for electricity in the United States continues to grow, the National Association of Manufacturers supports the construction of additional nuclear power plants that have been approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to maintain a diverse portfolio of generating resources.”
—National Association of Manufacturers
Public Policy Positions
March 19, 2008
“Nuclear power today supplies the vast majority of U.S. low-carbon electric energy. Existing plants are safe and efficient, and the next generation promises to be more passively safe and more efficient. While the federal government must first keep its commitment with respect to used nuclear fuel, I am convinced that we will need at least 25-30 new reactors by 2030 if we are to succeed in limiting greenhouse gases.”
—John Rowe
Chairman, president and chief executive officer
Exelon Corp.
Remarks made at the Brookings Institute
Feb. 12, 2008
“For every nuclear plant that environmentalists avoided, they ended up causing two coal plants to be built. … When you ask someone like the NRDC [Natural Resources Defense Council], ‘Do you prefer nuclear or coal?’ they’ll say, ‘We prefer nuclear to coal, but we don’t want either.’ It doesn’t work that way; we need power.”
—Vinod Khosla
Venture capitalist and co-founder, Sun Microsystems
“5 Questions for Vinod Khosla”
Earth2Tech
Jan. 30, 2008
“Nuclear is one of the best alternatives—if not the best alternative—we have for the large-scale production of electricity. It has the least environmental impact of any technology we have. And the least volatility in fuel costs.”
—David Ratcliffe
Southern Co. chief executive officer
As quoted in the Atlanta Business Chronicle
Jan. 11, 2008
“This isn't a Republican issue. It isn't a Democratic issue. It's an American issue.”
—Ron Ault
President, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department
Remarks made concerning the need for more nuclear at the House nuclear roundtable discussion hosted by Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)
Dec. 12, 2007
“We are on a critical path to build several new nuclear plants, but the question of whether we move fast or slow down will be based on certain preconditions being met [referencing nuclear loan guarantee provisions]. … We don’t want to build natural gas either, but may have to so the lights don’t go out. Our board has decided to build new nuclear, but it just depends on when.”
—Michael Wallace
President of Constellation Energy Generation Group
Center for Strategic and International Studies meeting in Washington, D.C.
Nov. 28, 2007
“Coal and nuclear account for 50 percent of energy sources. We must work to improve technology and reduce costs, but both carbon and civil nuclear power have to be part of the solution of sustainability.”
—Jeffrey Immelt
Chairman and chief executive officer, General Electric
World Energy Conference
Nov. 14, 2007
“Clearly, nuclear energy is going to start up again.”
—Pierre Gadonneix
Chief executive officer, Electricite de France
World Energy Conference, as quoted by Reuters
Nov. 14, 2007
“Nuclear could potentially solve our problems, given it allows us to produce CO2 -free, secure and abundant electricity.”
—Paolo Scaroni
Chief executive officer, Eni
World Energy Conference, as quoted by Reuters
Nov. 14, 2007
“To achieve a balanced energy policy and promote investments in technologies and reduce greenhouse emissions, we believe Congress should make loan guarantees to the construction of nuclear power plants.”
—John Sweeney
President, AFL-CIO
Roundtable discussion on nuclear work force issues
Nov. 7, 2007
“It is difficult to see how we can overcome climate change without nuclear energy being part of the solution. Nuclear power is green power. It is the only proven, available technology capable of producing vast quantities of safe, reliable and affordable energy with near-zero carbon emissions.”
—Ralph Izzo
Chairman, president and chief executive officer
Public Service Enterprise Group
Forbes op-ed
Sept. 21, 2007
“Let’s face it: We need the low-cost power and environmental benefits that nuclear power provides.”
—Glen Casey
Legislative director
International Brotherhood of Electric Workers
Utility Labor Council of New York State
New York Post
Aug. 13, 2007
“We believe nuclear energy, which now supplies almost 19 percent of Georgia Power’s energy needs, is a clean, cost-effective and safe option for the future.”
—Chris Womack
Executive vice president, Georgia Power
Atlanta Journal-Constitution op-ed
July 19, 2007
“It’s hard to believe simultaneously in energy security and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions without believing in nuclear power. It's just intellectually dishonest.”
—Jeff Immelt
Chairman, General Electric
Nightly Business Report
July 9, 2007
“The fuel of the future of course is going to be nuclear power. Got to have it; got to use it. It's clean. There have been no accidents with it, and you can get rid of the waste.”
—T. Boone Pickens
Founder and chairman, BP Capital
Dallas Business Journal interview
June 1, 2007
“We’ve got to do something to replace fossil fuels. We’re addicted to oil. ... That’s got to change and fast, and that means alternative sources, wind power, solar power, even the nuclear option may have to come back.”
—Lee Iacocca
CNBC interview
May 5, 2007
“I'd push for a reactivation of nuclear power as a viable option. It's time to stop running scared from Chernobyl and start realizing that we now have the systems and technology to build fail-safe nuclear power plants. All over the European Union, they're investing in building cleaner, safer nuclear power plants. Europe derives about one third of its electricity from nuclear power. … The United States is lagging far behind in nuclear energy, when we should be on the leading edge.”
—Lee Iacocca
“Where Have All the Leaders Gone?”
April 2007
“It’s difficult to fight against climate change and at the same time to be against nuclear power, because you have not a lot of ways to produce energy without carbon dioxide emissions.”
—Anne Lauvergeon
Chief executive officer, AREVA
“Vive les Nukes”
“60 Minutes” (CBS)
April 10, 2007