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Notes From the Nuclear Energy Assembly

By Eric McErlain
Sorry for the lack of posts today, as I've been busy working at NEI's annual meeting, the 2005 Nuclear Energy Assembly here in Washington, D.C.

For the annual State of the Industry address by Robert McGhee, Chairman and CEO of Progress Energy and NEI's Vice Chairman, Click here. For NEI President and CEO Skip Bowman's speech, "A Time of Opportunity, A Time of Action," click here.

Here's an excerpt from the Bowman speech:
The timing is indeed right for action. To continue establishing the conditions, the business environment, for new nuclear.

We are not there . . . yet!

But look at what our industry is doing … testing the new licensing process.

Wall Street has made it clear what is needed to gain the confidence to finance a new plant project.

We’re helping each other demonstrate that the new regulatory processes for next generation reactors can work.

That also sends a message to our decision-makers: As I said earlier, we have a vital role to play in enhancing America’s energy security and reducing dependence on unstable nations for energy supply.

That sends a message to the 70 percent of the American public who favor nuclear energy – a record high for the industry. It says we are serious about meeting the public’s demand for energy in a manner that also protects our environment and the air we breathe.

Again, who would have believed that the co-founder of Greenpeace would tell Congress that—quote—nuclear energy . . . combined with the use of renewable energy sources . . . remains the only practical, safe and environmentally sensitive means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing energy security?

But Patrick Moore did just that three weeks ago.

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