Press Mention The Tennessean February 25, 2004
SACE Quoted
Alexander backs more nuclear plants
In this mention
U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander announced a Senate Energy Subcommittee hearing on new nuclear power generation, calling nuclear energy clean and cost-effective. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, criticized Alexander's position as reckless, citing historical consumer debt from the nuclear industry and post-9/11 homeland security concerns.
While we share the senator's concern for clean air, nuclear power creates a host of new economic, environmental and security issues that must be addressed. It's not the answer to clean air.
Stephen A. Smith
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Full transcript
Alexander backs more nuclear plants
By ANNE PAINE
Staff Writer
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander is backing nuclear power, and it has some Tennessee environmentalists alarmed.
Alexander announced this week that the Senate Energy Subcommittee, of which he is chairman, will hold a hearing March 4 on new nuclear power generation in the country.
"If we're really serious about clean air, I think we're going to have to build more nuclear plants," said Alexander, a Republican.
"New nuclear power is clean energy that will reduce our dependence on foreign gas and should be cost effective."
Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, called the senator's support for nuclear power "reckless."
The senator is ignoring two historical facts, Smith said.
These are "the massive consumer debt generated by the nuclear power industry, which is still weighing down Tennessee Valley Authority," and homeland security issues since 9/11, he continued.
"As the chair of the Senate Energy Subcommittee, Alexander should be more responsible in his approach to the issues of nuclear power by seeking a
balanced review of the issues," Smith said.
"While we share the senator's concern for clean air, nuclear power creates a host of new economic, environmental and security issues that must be addressed. It's not the answer to clean air."
Nuclear power advocates say reactors are a better way to produce electricity than coal-fired energy plants, which add to air pollution.
In the Washington hearing, Alexander also is expected to focus on the planned restart of TVA's Browns Ferry nuclear facility. He is the chairman of the TVA Congressional Caucus.