Statement on Duke’s decision closing Crystal River
SACE Media Statement, from Executive Director Dr. Stephen Smith, regarding Duke Energy’s decision to permanently close the Crystal River Nuclear Plant:
We applaud Duke Energy for taking decisive action today to permanently close the troubled Crystal River Nuclear Plant they inherited as part of the Duke-Progress Energy merger last summer.
Such decisive action now closes a financially tragic chapter in the history of nuclear power in Florida, one that has had devastating consequences for many of the state’s ratepayers.
Crystal River clearly demonstrated the vulnerabilities of being overly dependent on a high-risk energy source like nuclear power, which exposes ratepayers to high financial risks and raises safety, health and environmental concerns.
We look forward to working with the nation’s largest utility in a transparent, least-cost planning process in Florida and throughout the Southeast that can safely and efficiently meet customers’ energy needs. # # # Founded in 1985, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible energy choices that create global warming solutions and ensure clean, safe, and healthy communities throughout the Southeast. Learn more at www.cleanenergy.org