The relicensing of the Limerick Generating Station was discussed at several public meetings held by the NRC on Sept. 22. As a member of the PA Energy Alliance and a homeowner, I support the renewal of Limerick’s license and continued investment in nuclear energy as a clean, safe, reliable and affordable source of power.

Limerick is a benefit to the local and surrounding community in many ways, including to the economy and the environment. The Limerick Generating Station contributes $113 million annually in direct contributions to the economy through expenditures made by Limerick to maintain and operate the facility, including $75 million in employee wages and salaries, $35 million in purchases of goods and services from other Pennsylvania businesses and $2.9 million in property tax payments. Limerick also contributes generously to its neighbors, such as the $600,000 donated to community organizations in 2010.

Environmentally, Limerick reduces the need to generate electricity from coal and natural gas, thereby reducing emissions and making these resources available for chemical production, heating, and transportation. Limerick produces enough electricity to supply two million homes. If it were retired from service, replacing the electricity it currently produces would require increased natural gas-fired or coal-fired generation. Without Limerick, it is estimated that emissions would increase by the equivalent of 2.5 million cars. To replace Limerick with solar energy, you would need to cover twice the area of Limerick Township with solar panels at an installed cost of $23 billion. For wind power, you would have to install 3,048 wind turbines like the ones at Bear Creek at a cost of $11 billion.

I strongly urge the public in the communities surrounding Limerick to support the renewal of its license. Not only because it is a safe, cost-effective, and reliable source of power, but also because it provides jobs for its neighbors and benefits the environment in which we all live.