I would like to commend The Patriot-News for its recent editorial in support of nuclear power in Pennsylvania. It is a clean, safe and reliable form of energy that must continue to play an important role in our state’s energy portfolio.

The Patriot-News is not alone in its support of nuclear power. Results from a recent statewide survey show that 9 out of 10 Pennsylvanians believe nuclear power is important to meeting our country’s electricity needs, and 84 percent agree that the use of nuclear power will lead to greater energy independence for the U.S. The survey results also show that a majority of residents believe that nuclear power will help reduce the effects of global warming as it emits no greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

While it’s important that we explore the expansion of the nation’s fleet of nuclear reactors as well as new clean energy technologies — to keep up with the country’s increasing energy demands — it also is vital that we support the continued operation of Pennsylvania’s five existing nuclear plants. Nuclear power supplies one-third of the commonwealth’s electricity and is the only emission-free energy source that can reliably generate electricity round-the-clock. Nuclear power clearly provides the much needed energy scale and the path toward our country’s energy independence.