YouTubing Nuclear Energy From Congress

Here’s something that works exceptionally well:

Congressman Erik Paulsen [R-Minn.] answered constituent questions in his first installment of Erik's Correspondence Corner of 2013. This week, Paulsen answered questions sent in from Eden Prairie and Bloomington.

Ben, a student at Eden Prairie High School, sent in a letter explaining his thoughts on nuclear energy. Tracey in Bloomington e-mailed in this week with her thoughts on recent legislation to continue the Congressional pay freeze.

Congress folk answer questions from constituents all the time, of course, but Rep. Paulsen puts together a weekly video cast on YouTube, posting a new episode every week answering a couple of the questions he’s been asked. The straightforward video work and Paulsen’s modest manner makes it very charming and even persuasive – old fashioned retail politicking brought up to date. It’s very effective.

Oh, but what about Ben and his question? Ben, it turns out, is not favorable to nuclear energy, though he recognizes its benefits. Eden Prairie, where Ben lives, is about 55 miles from the Prairie Island facility. Meanwhile, Rep. Paulsen certainly does favor nuclear energy. His answer is on point and respectful of Ben’s view.

The issue in Minnesota is its long standing ban against building new facilities. Although Paulsen has moved to the House of Representatives, he came from the state legislature and is clear he’d like the ban overturned. The votes get a little closer every year, but so far, it hasn’t happened. There’s always 2013, though.

And hey, as long as we’re talking about YouTube, visit NEI’s YouTube page, for loads of interesting nuclear related videos. Eric wrote about the FLEX strategy video below, so that’s a good place to start.

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