Join us at Limerick Generating Station’s Community Information Night on Thursday, May 16 from 4:30-7:30pm. Stop by our table to ask any questions you may have, receive information about the Alliance, sign up to become a member of the Alliance and take home some souvenirs!

Once you arrive at the intersection of Saratoga and Evergreen Roads in Limerick Township there will be signs directing you where to park. Shuttles will be available for transportation to the Learning Center.

If you have any questions, please contact us at alliance@paenergyalliance.com.

Nuclear offers a good opportunity for the United States to continue its move away from dependence on foreign oil. [Nuclear energy] is 20 percent of our overall power mix today and I think it ought to stay there. It’s not a question of getting more and more, although that wouldn’t be bad because it’s the only form of base power that releases no regulated pollutants or greenhouse gases while it’s producing power. As we look at what our energy mix should be, it’s just that: a mix. There’s no one solution, no one thing we should do that’s going to solve all of our problems, but [nuclear energy] needs to be a part of it.

What hurdles does the industry face in the coming years?

The hurdles are the public misconceptions about nuclear energy. Fortunately, after [the disaster at] Fukushima Daiichi, Gallup did a poll that showed still 52 percent of the American people were comfortable with nuclear energy being part of our energy future. The recent experience with [Hurricane] Sandy should give people a lot of comfort. There were some 30 reactors between South Carolina and New Hampshire that were in the path of that storm—23 of them operated just fine, there were six that were already down for planned refueling, and there were three that shut down because of the concern of what might happen. They came right back online once the storm passed, so people should feel really good. The actual factual history of nuclear energy in this country is really very good.

What is the potential economic impact of growth in industry?

It’s not the reason I would say ‘yes, I’m comfortable with nuclear’ or ‘no I don’t want nuclear,’ but it’s certainly a legitimate part of the conversation. During construction there are about 1,400 to 1,800 jobs created with peak employment at about 3,000. Once [reactors are] completed, there’s anywhere from 400 to 700 new jobs. And it’s not just nuclear engineers—there’s security, there’s electrical. Right now the industry is looking at potentially having to replace 25,000 current workers at nuclear reactors because they’re going to be eligible to retire in 2015. So we really need to gin up our teaching if we want to get more people into the pipeline and continue expanding nuclear.

Can the United States become a global energy leader without nuclear power?

To be a leader in any field, the United States will need safe, affordable, and reliable power. To be a leader in the power sector will require an “all of the above” approach and that, in my mind, includes nuclear power.

What role do energy incentives play in moving the nuclear energy industry forward?

They do [need incentives]. What’s important about loan guarantees is that it sends a signal to lenders and banks, that this is an industry that has a future in this country. We got out of the business in 1970 and with interest rates as low as they are, there’s not much incentive for a major financial institution to invest in something that could be at all risky because your return is not much now.

The list from PayScale.com has been touted in several NBC News reports. These reports stressed that all of the professions required extensive training and certification as well as years of experience before anyone could expect a six-figure salary. But what does that mean specifically for reactor operators?

The NRC issues two types of licenses to control room personnel qualified to operate a commercial nuclear power plant facility – i.e., the nuclear reactor. These are reactor operators (ROs), responsible for manipulating the controls of nuclear reactors, and senior reactor operators (SROs), who direct the licensed activities of ROs. Applicants for an RO license must have at least three years of power plant experience, including at least six months at the plant where they are currently employed (and seek a license) and at least six months as a non-licensed operator. SRO applicants also must have at least 18 months experience as a qualified non-licensed operator or as a plant staff engineer or manager involved in the daily activities associated with operating a commercial nuclear power plant facility.

RO candidates are not required to have a college degree, as long as they have the necessary experience and training. A college degree in engineering, engineering technology, or related sciences is typically required for anyone testing directly for an SRO license – with the exception that with at least one a year of active experience as a RO at a commercial power reactor facility they may take the SRO exam, whether or not they have a college degree.

Applicants for both licenses must complete rigorous training provided by the facility licensee (utility) before taking the NRC’s hours-long written examination and operating test. Once licensed, there are continuing training requirements per the facility’s NRC-approved requalification training program. ROs and SROs must pass a facility-administered operating test every year and a written examination every two years to maintain their license status.

Some of these experience requirements can be met through military service – in general, an applicant can receive six months credit for every year’s experience working at a military propulsion plant such as a nuclear-powered warship. It’s also important to note that reactor operators work for the commercial nuclear power plant owners, not the NRC, although it’s the NRC license that makes them eligible to do the job.

The licensing process for reactor operators is described in detail on the NRC website.

So while you don’t need a B.S. in Physics or a B.E. in Nuclear Engineering, to become a licensed nuclear reactor operator, you do have to meet extremely tough standards in experience and knowledge before being able to take the controls of a nuclear power plant as an RO or SRO.

But I can tell you that’s one concern I never had. Not once. There are two reasons.

First, because Pennsylvania laborers are the best in the world. We build things that stand the test of time and stand up to storms such as Sandy.

Second, the professionals at nuclear power stations such as Three Mile Island take extra precautions, including increased staffing, pre-staging of emergency equipment and securing of outside equipment in case it’s needed.

I’m personally familiar with their operations and know that the training they receive to prepare for storms is outstanding.

While many Pennsylvanians have struggled without power since Sandy struck, it’s good to know that once the lines were repaired, the nuclear facilities that generate the electricity we all count on were up and running to help get our lights back on.

TERRY E. PECK
Advisory Board Member, PA Energy Alliance
Business Manager, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 520
West Hanover Twp.

The generating station carefully monitors water discharges from the plant to receiving streams as it is required to do by its permits and licenses. The results of that monitoring, as well as monitoring done by the PA Department of Environmental Protection, clearly show results well below safety standards.

As a former secretary with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, I am aware that all U.S. nuclear plants are required by the NRC to maintain an environmental monitoring program to ensure that radiation levels and other environmental effects around the facilities are well below conservative limits for public health and safety. In addition, I know that Limerick extensively monitors the air, water, soil and food products around the facility. Limerick performs thousands of analyses and takes thousands of samples each year. These samples continue to show that Limerick does not pose a health risk to the public and operates well within all federal and state environmental and health guidelines.

Limerick has upheld its promise to the community and is a well-performing facility, an environmental steward, a vital provider of power and a major economic force of good in the community. Regardless of one’s position on nuclear power, it is important to separate the rhetoric from reality.

PETER S. DUNCAN
Former Secretary
PA Department of Environmental Resources
Advisory Board Member, PA Energy Alliance

“The Pennsylvania Energy Alliance fully supports these initiatives and finds them integral to the future of nuclear energy in America,” said Executive Director Melissa Grimm. “We agree it is time for the government to pursue efforts to consolidate used fuel on an interim basis, especially for fuel located on sites without an operating nuclear reactor.”

Grimm noted that Pennsylvania utility ratepayers have already contributed more than $3.2 billion in fees and interest to the Nuclear Waste Fund since it was mandated in 1982. Because of this, it is necessary that these funds be used to solve the issues of used nuclear fuel storage. The PA Energy Alliance applauds Representative Robert Godshall and his colleagues in the House who worked to bring this important, bi-partisan resolution forward.

In May, the PA Energy Alliance released results of a statewide survey that shows a strong majority of Pennsylvanians continues to support the use of nuclear energy. Of the 700 Pennsylvania residents that were polled, nearly 9 of 10 respondents believe the use of nuclear power is an important part of meeting the United States’ electricity needs. To view complete poll results, please visit http://paenergyalliance.com/wp-content/file-uploads/March-2012-Poll-Results.pdf.

About the PA Energy Alliance
The Pennsylvania Energy Alliance for Generating Reliable Electricity for our Energy Needs (PA Energy Alliance) seeks to promote nuclear energy as a clean, safe, reliable and affordable source of power to help meet Pennsylvania’s growing demand for electricity. The Alliance is a grassroots coalition that works to increase public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of nuclear energy and provide a forum through which members can express their support for the continued safe operation of Pennsylvania’s five nuclear energy plants.

“The Pennsylvania Energy Alliance fully supports these initiatives and finds them integral to the future of nuclear energy in America,” said Executive Director Melissa Grimm. “We agree it is time for the government to pursue efforts to consolidate used fuel on an interim basis, especially for fuel located on sites without an operating nuclear reactor.”

Grimm noted that Pennsylvania utility ratepayers have already contributed more than $3.2 billion in fees and interest to the Nuclear Waste Fund since it was mandated in 1982. Because of this, it is necessary that these funds be used to solve the issues of used nuclear fuel storage. The PA Energy Alliance applauds Representative Robert Godshall and his colleagues in the House who worked to bring this important, bi-partisan resolution forward.

In May, the PA Energy Alliance released results of a statewide survey that shows a strong majority of Pennsylvanians continues to support the use of nuclear energy. Of the 700 Pennsylvania residents that were polled, nearly 9 of 10 respondents believe the use of nuclear power is an important part of meeting the United States’ electricity needs. To view complete poll results, please visit http://paenergyalliance.com/wp-content/file-uploads/March-2012-Poll-Results.pdf.

About the PA Energy Alliance
The Pennsylvania Energy Alliance for Generating Reliable Electricity for our Energy Needs (PA Energy Alliance) seeks to promote nuclear energy as a clean, safe, reliable and affordable source of power to help meet Pennsylvania’s growing demand for electricity. The Alliance is a grassroots coalition that works to increase public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of nuclear energy and provide a forum through which members can express their support for the continued safe operation of Pennsylvania’s five nuclear energy plants.

The poll of 700 Pennsylvania residents found that nearly 9 of 10 respondents believe the use of nuclear power is an important part of meeting the United States’ electricity needs.

“It’s quite apparent that people recognize the benefits of nuclear power as a clean, safe and reliable source of energy,” said PA Energy Alliance Executive Director Melissa Grimm. “The state needs to have a reliable source of electricity, especially now with summer approaching and our energy demands increasing.”

Other notable results from the Susquehanna Polling & Research poll include:
• 79 percent of respondents agree that nuclear is a reliable source of energy
• 71 percent of respondents support allowing existing nuclear plants to extend their operating licenses
• 65 percent agree that nuclear power is a safe method of generating electricity
• 65 percent support the construction of new nuclear power plants in the state

“This survey clearly shows Pennsylvania’s support for nuclear power and its importance to the future energy needs of the Commonwealth,” said James Lee from Susquehanna Polling & Research. “It’s also interesting to note that for those people who told us they live in close proximity to one of the five nuclear generating facilities in Pennsylvania, 72-percent had a favorable opinion of that facility. The poll tells us that these plants are thought of as ‘good neighbors’ in their communities.”

To view complete poll results, please visit http://paenergyalliance.com/wp-content/file-uploads/March-2012-Poll-Results.pdf.

About the PA Energy Alliance
The Pennsylvania Energy Alliance for Generating Reliable Electricity for our Energy Needs (PA Energy Alliance) seeks to promote nuclear energy as a clean, safe, reliable and affordable source of power to help meet Pennsylvania’s growing demand for electricity. The Alliance is a grassroots coalition that works to increase public awareness of the environmental and economic benefits of nuclear energy and provide a forum through which members can express their support for the continued safe operation of Pennsylvania’s five nuclear energy plants.

*The survey of 700 Pennsylvania adults was conducted in March 2012. It was designed and conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, Inc. The sample error for the total sample is plus or minus 3.7%. Survey results were generated via a random sample telephone survey.

March 2012 Poll Results

“Report Faults Online Services Over Reliance on Coal and Nuclear Power” (Business Day, April 18) discusses a Greenpeace report suggesting that emissions-free nuclear power and coal constitute “dirty energy.”

It’s true that by opening up new data centers in states like North Carolina, Virginia and Illinois, major Internet companies are using more nuclear energy — and at affordable prices. What’s untrue and insinuated in both your article and the Greenpeace report is that this reliance on nuclear somehow sullies a company’s environmental reputation, when nuclear is in fact playing an important role keeping the cloud clean.

Nuclear energy accounts for 70 percent of the clean electricity produced in the United States, and together with renewables like solar and wind is a vital part of any clean energy portfolio. Companies that rely on 24/7 baseload power to meet their electricity needs are contributing to emission-reduction goals by including nuclear in their energy mix.

CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN
Princeton, N.J., April 19, 2012
The writer, the former Environmental Protection Agency administrator, is co-chairwoman of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition, an industry-funded coalition that promotes nuclear energy.