Why do we need PA Energy Alliance
Nuclear energy currently supplies 20 percent of our nation’s electricity and 34.5 percent of the Commonwealth’s electricity.
Three Mile Island (TMI) alone safely generates electricity for more than 800,000 homes in central Pennsylvania – with zero carbon emissions. By comparison, a 1,000 megawatt coal plant annually emits 271 metric tons of CO2.
An April 2008 study conducted by Bates White, LLC, an economics consulting firm, found that if TMI’s operating license is not renewed, there will be an increased need for electricity generated by coal or natural gas and a damaging effect on our state’s economy.
According to the study, the resulting increase in carbon emissions would be equivalent to adding 1.3 million more cars to Pennsylvania’s roads. At the same time, this dependence on fossil fuels would cause wholesale electricity prices to rise by at least $288 million per year – an increase that would be passed along to residential and business customers.
In addition to keeping our wholesale electricity costs down, the Bates White study found that TMI contributes approximately $142 million annually to Pennsylvania’s economy. The plant employs over 650 people and directly spends $99 million a year on employee compensation, in-state expenditures on goods and services, and state and local property taxes.
This spending then stimulates an additional $43 million investment in Pennsylvania’s economy, creating jobs and increasing families’ disposable income.
The Bates White study confirms the benefits of nuclear power and the urgent need to advocate for its continued operation in Pennsylvania. Energy demand is on the rise, electric customers are facing skyrocketing rate increases, and our national security is threatened by our dependence on foreign oil.
These concerns are likely at the heart of Pennsylvanians’ growing support for nuclear power. A September 2008 statewide poll conducted by Terry Madonna Opinion Research found that 82 percent of Pennsylvanians believe nuclear power is important to meeting our country’s electricity needs and nearly three-fourths believe that nuclear power will lead to greater energy independence.
For more information or to join the coalition, please click here or call 717-319-1988.