Also Heard from the NEA Podium

This morning’s Nuclear Energy Assembly session explored the socio-economic trends pointing to a vital role for nuclear power in our nation’s energy mix. Here is a sampling from the wide-ranging roster of speakers:

“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, satisfying growing energy demand, making energy affordable and enhancing energy security are tasks that are difficult enough individually, but we need to do all of them at the same time. There’s no way around it: this effort requires bold leadership. We need our policymakers to look ahead and understand that we’re living in a new world that requires new approaches.” – Jack Gerard, president and CEO, American Chemistry Council

“Our top priority is the safe operation of the current fleet of U.S. nuclear power plants, but the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is also a global leader in safe regulation. We need to keep our place at the table to ensure a consistent regulatory environment.” – Dale Klein, chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

“We have a strategic partnership between the nuclear energy industry and the Building and Construction Trades Department. Ours is an unusual relationship in Washington between organized labor and an industry. We have a common set of interests and mutual respect. We must strengthen our relationship further to enhance our chances of success in the halls of Congress.” – Mark Ayers, president, Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO

“I wish you great good luck on your endeavors for nuclear power. You are at the right moment. Go for it.” – Peggy Noonan, columnist for The Wall Street Journal and author

JoAnn Sperber