nuclear-news

US Senator Graham has touching faith in nuclear industry

“I have a lot of faith in the nuclear industry, and I feel safe living five miles away from a nuclear power plant,”…Graham said, adding that the nuclear industry needs to do a better job explaining itself…….

US Sen. Graham: I have faith in nuclear power – BusinessWeek, 18 March COLUMBIA, S.C.U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Thursday that Japan’s nuclear crisis shouldn’t cause a halt in the construction of new nuclear power plants in this country.

He told journalists in a conference call from Washington he has confidence in America’s nuclear power industry. He said the U.S. uses a newer plant design than Japan’s older units, which rely on technology from the 1970s.

“I have a lot of faith in the nuclear industry, and I feel safe living five miles away from a nuclear power plant,” Graham said of the Oconee Nuclear Station run by Duke Energy Corp……..

Graham said that in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks, it became clear that some plants could be vulnerable to attacks or being hit by aircraft. Steps have been taken to address those concerns, the senator said, but he declined to detail the steps taken to improve security.

It’s important for the nuclear industry to be more forthcoming so the public understands how nuclear power is produced, Graham said….. Graham said, adding that the nuclear industry needs to do a better job explaining itself…….

Two planned projects for new nuclear power plants are in the Southeast. The Atlanta-based Southern Co. and its partners are seeking to build two more reactors at Plant Vogtle in eastern Georgia. And SCANA, based in Cayce, S.C., has proposed adding two reactors to its Plant Summer site in Jenkinsville, S.C. Both utilities have said they expect to be granted operating licenses this year. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is still evaluating both…..

US Sen. Graham: I have faith in nuclear power – BusinessWeek

March 18, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | politics, USA