U.S. Chamber’s Energy Institute Lauds Approval of New Nuclear Reactor Design

New Design Will Help Spur Construction of New Reactors

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, issued the following statement today regarding the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval of the Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactor design:

“Today’s unanimous decision by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to approve the Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactor design speeds up momentum towards expanding the use of clean, safe, and reliable nuclear energy in the United States.  With the approval of the AP1000 design, the NRC may now issue a combined Construction and Operating License (COL) for two new reactors at Southern Company’s Plant Vogtle, as well as two new reactors at a plant in South Carolina.  The issuance of a COL for these projects would be the first issued for new construction of a reactor in 34 years. 

“The AP1000 contains the newest and best technology available.  The design was thoroughly tested by the NRC and found to be able to withstand a multitude of scenarios, from earthquakes to plane crashes.  The approval of this design clears the way for future expansion and construction of nuclear plants across the nation, allowing Americans to benefit from nuclear energy for decades to come and creating thousands of skilled jobs.  I urge the NRC to issue the licenses for the two pending applications expeditiously.”

The mission of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean.  Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.