Barrett Disappointed with NuStart Selection

Press Release

Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC, 3) was disappointed to learn that NuStart Energy Development, LLC did not select the Savannah River Site (SRS) as one of two sites they will work with to complete the new Combined Construction and Operating License process.

"While this news is disappointing, it is not the end of the road," said Barrett. "Building a new nuclear reactor in South Carolina makes sense and I am committed to doing all I can to make that a reality." Barrett was encouraged to read that Marilyn Kray, president of NuStart indicated in a release that, 'all six finalist sites are excellent locations for an advanced nuclear unit from a financial and technical standpoint and likely will eventually be chosen for a new nuclear plant.'

"I am hopeful that as the consortia associated with the Nuclear Power 2010 program tests the new licensing process, we will find even more ways to overcome existing barriers to plant construction and possibly speed up the entire process for any future plants constructed," said Barrett.

"We must reduce our dependency on foreign sources of energy." Barrett continued, "America has not built a nuclear reactor in decades and we are paying the price of that inaction everyday at the gas pump. Unless we act now there will be no relief in the future."

The fundamental problem impacting our nation today is that our energy supply simply does not match our growing demand. Alternative power sources such as hydropower, windmills, and solar panels should be promoted, but Barrett knows that building a next generation nuclear reactor in our state will allow South Carolina to become a driving force behind energy independence.

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