“We know how to deal with nuclear energy. We know how to make it safe. And we know how to produce it. … We should be using more nuclear power. It is clean. It does not affect the global environment. And it is domestic.”

—Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.)
Aug. 13, 2008

“I think what you're going to see happening with nuclear is one or two new plants will be commissioned in some state in the country ... and when that happens, most of the country will really take a new look at this.”

—Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle
As quoted in “Doyle Open to Studying Nuclear Power”
Manitowoc (Wis.) Herald Times Reporter
Aug. 6, 2008

“These [nuclear power plants] are energy production facilities that produce a lot of energy, and it's clean energy. It's non-polluting energy, and I think we need to pursue more of that.”

—Marty Ozinga (R-Ill.)
Congressional Candidate for Illinois’ 11th District
July 29, 2008

“Nuclear power is poised to play a key role in meeting our energy challenges and realizing our potential as the 21st century unfolds.”

—Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.)
“Build On Nuclear’s Potential”
DelawareOnline.com
July 27, 2008

—Spencer Abraham
Former energy secretary and Michigan senator, member of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition
“Greener Energy”
Washington Times op-ed
April 3, 2008

“Nuclear power provides about 20 percent of the nation’s electricity safely, economically and reliably. Its benefits are real. Nuclear power has played a central role in replacing oil in electricity generation, and it could do the same in transportation if plug-in electric vehicles catch on.”

—Forrest Remick
Former NRC commissioner
Allentown (Pa.) Morning Call
March 18, 2008

“I myself think that nuclear power has a great future, and I think that we should look at it seriously again. I know there are people who are scared about it, and I know there are certain environmentalists that put the scare tactics out there. … But I think technology has advanced … [and] now we can really, I think, re-look at that issue again, rather than just looking the other way and living in denial.”

—Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-Calif.)
Wall Street Journal
ECO:nomics Conference
March 14, 2008


“Nuclear energy is safe and meets our energy and environmental goals. My conviction is stronger now than ever. It is maddening that so many opportunities for a nuclear renewal have gotten away from us.”

—Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.)
Regulatory Information Conference
March 11, 2008

“The more people who understand nuclear science, materials and radiation, the more likely they are to make informed judgments about nuclear issues.”

—Dale Klein
NRC chairman
Regulatory Information Conference
March 11, 2008

“It is high time that we look long term at what is good for our economy here in America. And there is no question that long-term economic health here requires that we get control of our energy policy because, over the long term, we can’t allow American jobs and American prosperity to be held hostage to foreign oil. So that means that we in the federal government need to be pushing alternative energy sources and investment in those sources—such as wind, solar and nuclear power—to decrease and get rid of our dependence on foreign oil.”

—Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.)
Radio show on 1140 WRVA in Richmond, Va.
March 10, 2008

“The nuclear industry is a piece of our energy sector that has proven its worth.  I cannot envision an energy future without nuclear playing a significant role.  It is reliable.  It is safe.  It is significantly improved in efficiency.  It is domestically produced energy.”

—Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.)
Remarks made at NEI’s Nuclear Energy R&D Summit
Feb. 28, 2008

“Consider that today, there are 104 nuclear reactors in service around the nation. Together, they displace the same amount of carbon dioxide as is emitted by nearly every passenger car on the road in America. A future for nuclear power in the country will truly mean a brighter tomorrow.”

—Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.)
Addressing the Senate on America’s energy challenges
Feb. 28, 2008

“When it comes to the future power needs of our country and taking steps to address any impact carbon dioxide emissions from energy production has on climate change, nuclear power must be part of the answer.”

—Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.)
“Nuclear Power – A Part of the Solution”
Feb. 22, 2008

“It defies common sense to ignore nuclear power as a reliable solution to addressing climate change, as it already plays a commanding role in the cutting of greenhouse gases.”

—Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.)
“Renewing Our Nuclear Energy Focus”
The Hill
Jan. 30, 2008


“Virginia has unique attributes within the nuclear industry that provide an opportunity for it to be the leader in nuclear energy.”

—Governor Tim Kaine (D-Va.)
“Nuclear Power on Verge of Renaissance”
Hampton Roads (Va.) Daily Press
Jan. 28, 2008

“Change is good, especially when it is a change of heart that benefits our future energy security. With the specter of global climate change and the growing need for more power hanging over us, this kind of change of heart spells progress—the very kind of change that is championed on the campaign trail. So as the primary limelight turns onto the Sunshine State, it is time to shine a little light on this critical sea change, which has produced energy's comeback kid—nuclear power. It has my vote.”

—Jeb Bush
Former governor of Florida
“Nuclear Power a Change for the Better”
The Miami Herald
Jan. 25, 2008

“I am a proponent of nuclear energy. The Navy has been using nuclear power since 1953 and they have not had an accident. With proper caution and training, nuclear energy is safe.”

—Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.)
“Taylor Says He Supports Going Nuclear”
The Mississippi Press
Jan. 18, 2008

“I believe we can and are developing technologies that can have a dramatic effect on greenhouse gas emissions. I believe we have to go back to nuclear power. Why can’t we look at what the French have done? About 80 percent of their electricity is generated by nuclear power. And they are the closest to meeting the Kyoto [greenhouse gas emission reduction] goals that they set for themselves.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
Interview with The Detroit News’ editorial board
Jan. 3, 2008

“I am amazed that our country isn’t more robust in supporting the advent of nuclear power. I certainly am, and applaud those efforts by members of Congress to provide incentives for the construction of new plants.”

—President George W. Bush
Dec. 20, 2007

“We need more clean domestic natural gas; we need to open our lands to renewable energy development; we need to utilize our domestic oil reserves; and we need to develop nuclear energy. And this bill is silent about nuclear energy.”

—Rep. Steve Pearce (R-N.M.)
Remarks made during House debate of H.R. 6
Dec. 18, 2007

“I just want to underscore that, as we look to the future, nuclear energy has to be a part of it. … For me, I am absolutely committed to moving the ball down the field … so that we can look back a number of years from now and know that we won’t lose our edge.”

—Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.)
Remarks made at a nuclear round-table discussion sponsored by Minority Whip Blunt (R-Mo.), Ranking Member Upton (R-Mich.) and Ranking Member Barton (R-Texas)
Dec. 12, 2007

“I don’t understand why we won’t talk about nuclear energy on the floor of the House of Representatives when we know that it is one of the cleanest and safest forms of energy we have.”

—Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio)
Energy bill floor debate
Dec. 6, 2007

“Nuclear energy needs to have a resurgence in this country.”

—Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee mark-up of S. 2191
Dec. 5, 2007

“We can do storage or reprocessing. Look at what the French and other industrialized countries are doing. It is not a matter of technology, but leadership, and the American people can be convinced this is one of the smart routes to take.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
Seacoast Online
“McCain: Nuclear Has Role in Energy Mix”
Dec. 4, 2007

“There is great opportunity here. Great opportunity to do good things for our air, to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, to quit helping people who want to hurt us, and to create employment opportunities where we can build things and ship it all over the world.”

—Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.)
Roundtable discussion on nuclear work force issues
Nov. 7, 2007

“With everybody’s focus on carbon … there is nothing more important than a renaissance of nuclear energy and the production of safe, reliable renewable nuclear energy.”

—Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)
Roundtable on the nuclear renaissance
Nov. 7, 2007

“Investments are already being made by companies in anticipation that we’re moving forward with nuclear power in this country. So we’re going to need a nuclear component supply. … We ought to be manufacturing these component parts right here in the United States. And of course we need human capital to deal with all of that.”

—Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio)
Roundtable discussion on nuclear work force issues
Nov. 7, 2007

“Thirty years ago due in part to fear, in part to a lack of information, [American] politicians enacted policies that placed numerous road blocks in front of the nuclear energy industry. … Yet, at the same time Europe embraced nuclear energy even more. Today, Europeans have almost twice as many nuclear reactors than the United States. And they slashed dependence on coal by more than 30 percent—while we increased our use of coal by more than 60 percent.”

—Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)
Testimony before Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Oct. 31, 2007

“I … support many paths to reducing our emission of greenhouse gases, such as more nuclear power and alternative sources of energy.”

—Mike Huckabee
Former governor, Arkansas
The Wall Street Journal
Oct. 30, 2007

“We have gotten several requests from members of Congress, which have evolved out of their knowledge of the Air Force leaning forward on energy initiatives, asking the Air Force to take a look, just to consider … whether an Air Force base might be an appropriate host, or test bed if you will, for a small nuclear facility. Nuclear power is being discussed much more seriously than before.”

—William Anderson
Assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment and logistics
State Department Foreign Press Center Briefing
Oct. 26, 2007


“Why should Maine encourage the construction of nuclear energy plants? Demand for electricity will escalate as our population expands and energy-hungry manufacturing industries grow. We need cheaper energy if our economy is going to stay competitive here and abroad.”

—State Rep. Bob Walker (R-Maine)
Waldo (Maine) County Citizen
Oct. 23, 2007

“One of the most promising [energy] alternatives is clean, safe and cost effective nuclear power. … Advances in technology have made our homegrown nuclear power safer and more efficient than ever, and reduced the amount of waste they produce.”

—Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas)
Beaumont (Texas) Journal
Oct. 3, 2007

“Last week, I and several of my colleagues celebrated the submittal of the first license application in over 30 years to build and operate a new nuclear reactor in the United States. That is definitely a big deal. What is even more exciting is that application is the first of several expected to be submitted by the end of this year, and possibly dozens more are expected over the next 18 months.”

—Sen. Thomas Carper (D-Del.)
Oct. 3, 2007


“Alternative energy, clean energy—those are all great ideas. But when you take a look at the impact they have and the subsidy they need, solar and wind both are tremendously subsidized. I think there are other clean energy alternatives. I think nuclear is one of them. I’m behind nuclear.”

—Idaho Gov. Butch Otter
Oct. 2, 2007


“I don’t see a real, immediate way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions unless we embrace nuclear power in a very, very substantial way.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
Oct. 2, 2007

“By broadening our energy portfolio, we will strengthen our economy, safeguard our environment and reduce our dangerous national dependence on foreign oil. One of the most promising of these alternatives is clean, safe and cost effective nuclear power. … I will continue to advocate for increased use of underutilized assets like nuclear power that will help maintain Texas’ energy leadership and America’s energy security for generations to come.”

—Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas)
Sept. 28, 2007

“Expansion of nuclear energy in the United States requires confidence in our government. The American public must be able to trust that the government will protect public health, provide nuclear waste solutions and provide confidence to potential investors.”

—Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.)
The Hill
“Nuclear Power Use Must Be Expanded”
Sept. 27, 2007

“Nuclear power is an option to reduce global warming, which I don’t believe we can afford to take off the menu of options—not when we rely on it for close to one-quarter of our power.”

—Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.)
Salon magazine
Sept. 10, 2007

“Given steps that have been taken over the years to make nuclear energy safer and the obvious environmental advantages it offers in reducing CO₂ emissions, there is no longer a persuasive case against increasing nuclear generation at the expense of coal.”

—Alan Greenspan
Former chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
"The Age of Turbulence: Adventure in a New World"
September 2007

“For better or for worse, California often leads the way in American trends. What if Californians considered the relative risks and rewards of nuclear power vs. global warming, increased use of imported fossil fuels and massive electricity rate hikes, and decided in favor of nuclear power? … California can get serious about meeting its ambitious global warming goals while providing economic opportunity, or it can try to power its economy on good intentions.”

—Chuck DeVore
California assemblyman (R)
Investor’s Business Daily op-ed
Aug. 22, 2007


“I'm a solutions guy. A lot of people like to do ‘the sky is falling’ stuff all the time, but they are long on what’s wrong in the world and short on solutions. Nuclear power is the way to reduce our dependence on foreign oil; generate cheap, reliable, safe, environmentally friendly energy in abundant capacity.”

—Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.)
As quoted by The Augusta Chronicle
Aug. 8, 2007


“Nuclear energy is a renewable, reliable, stable, homegrown energy source that does not emit greenhouse gases, which many believe cause global warming. It works where other renewable sources are limited. It is impossible to produce solar or wind energy when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow, and Minnesota’s climate can be inconsistent in meeting those needs. Nuclear energy does not share those limitations.”

—State Rep. Joyce Peppin (R-Minn.)
Minneapolis Star Tribune op-ed
Aug. 6, 2007


“We definitely need to look at nuclear power more. There are both environmental benefits and financial benefits. But no matter what, we have to produce energy more efficiently.”

—Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-Ariz.)
The Business Journal (Phoenix) Interview
Aug. 3, 2007


“We invented the peaceful use of nuclear power, but we’ve let other countries get ahead of us. There is no reason for that. No one’s ever died from nuclear power in the United States. Despite that fact, we haven’t licensed a new nuclear power plant in the United States in 30 years.”

—Rudy Giuliani
Republican presidential candidate
RealClearPolitics
July 26, 2007


“And yet this Congress for 10 years has failed to turn to the cheapest form of energy, which would give relief for every American's electric bill, heating oil bill and everything, and that's nuclear energy. Eighty-six percent of the energy produced in France, at a much lower cost than most of our electricity, is nuclear. France has done it. India and China are building a nuclear power plant every year.”

—Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.)
July 18, 2007

“For Democrats and nuclear energy, the landscape has changed rather significantly. This brings with it the possibility of a fresh, bipartisan consensus on nuclear power. Why? Because nuclear power works. It is safe. It is environmentally benign. And because the ‘times they have changed.’”

—State Rep. Phil Wise (D-Iowa)
Des Moines Register op-ed
July 6, 2007


“The use of nuclear power in the United States today prevents the emission of greenhouse gases equivalent to that of 136 million cars—which is the total of all passenger cars on the road today. In other words, without those nuclear plants, annual greenhouse gas emissions in the United States would increase in an amount equal to that given off by every single car on the road.”

—Christine Todd Whitman
Former Environmental Protection Agency administrator and New Jersey Governor
Air & Waste Management Association 100th Annual Conference
June 28, 2007


“If we are to be truly independent and have a positive effect on climate change, nuclear must be on the table.”

—Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.)
June 27, 2007

“The good news is that our electricity generation is produced here in America, whether it's coal, natural gas, nuclear, or renewable sources like wind. We would be fueling a majority of our transportation sector with American sources of energy as opposed to foreign oil.”

—Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.)
E&ETV
June 6, 2007


“When we look at how our nation plans to address the dual challenge of keeping the lights on and having clean air, we cannot afford to overlook nuclear energy.”

—Christine Todd Whitman
Former Environmental Protection Agency administrator and New Jersey Governor
Air & Waste Management Association 100th Annual Conference
Tampa Tribune op-ed
May 30, 2007


“The other major way to wean us from oil is to resume construction of nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy is the cleanest and best option for America’s electric power supply, yet is has been stalled by decades of unproductive debate. Our current commercial nuclear power plants have an outstanding record of safety and security, and new designs will only raise performance.”

—Frank Zarb
Assistant to President Ford for energy affairs
New York Times op-ed
May 23, 2007


“The restart of [Browns Ferry 1] is an indication of the growing demand for nuclear power, which is a safe, clean energy source. Nuclear power has turned the corner in this country. As we debate global climate change during this Congress, it is essential that we remember the promise of nuclear energy. In fact, I believe that it is not possible to have a serious discussion about reducing greenhouse gas emissions that does not include nuclear energy as a major power source.”

—Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.)
May 16, 2007


“I believe nuclear has to be a significant part of the smorgasbord. … In some states it may be the centerpiece of the smorgasbord.”

—Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.)
May 15, 2007

“Countries such as France understand that nuclear power must be included in an environment and energy policy to help clean the air and make us more energy independent.”

—Charlotte, N.C., Mayor Pat McCrory
Charlotte Observer
May 14, 2007

“We must diversify our energy portfolios to include more alternative and renewable energy sources including biofuels, solar, wind and even nuclear. This will relieve pressure on energy markets and yield positive environmental benefits.”

—U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman
International Energy Agency Ministerial Press Briefing
May 14, 2007

—Daniel Poneman
Former National Security Council Official
Baltimore Sun
May 14, 2007


“No solution is easy or free—or perfect. But we have to make the hard choices. That means siting new wind farms—and nuclear power plants in this country.”

—New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
Greater Houston Partnership Luncheon
May 11, 2007


“We need to increase our use of ethanol and all kinds of alternative fuels, and we need to go back to nuclear power.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
As quoted by the Chicago Tribune
May 9, 2007


“There’s a lot of work that Japan and the United States can do together, particularly in fields like emission-free nuclear energy. The truth of the matter is, if people really want to solve the issue of greenhouse gases, civilian nuclear power, powering our energy grids by nuclear power, is the best alternative available.”

—President George W. Bush
April 27, 2007


“Electricity from new nuclear generation will surely be a part of our country's energy future.”

—Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.)
Letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman
April 26, 2007


“Nuclear power plants are the most secure of any of our energy infrastructure. The nuclear power station at Perry, Ohio, is close to my home. If there is a serious threat in that area when I am home, I think I will drive down there and ask them to let me in.”

—Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio)
April 25, 2007


“We should expand zero-emissions electricity generation, including nuclear power.”

—Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas)
April 24, 2007


“We haven’t built a new reactor in this country since 1973, and it is time we do.”

—Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.)
Roll Call
“Time to Act on Building Nuclear Reactors”
April 23, 2007


“The barriers to nuclear energy are political not technological. We've let the fears of thirty years ago and an endless political squabble over the storage of nuclear spent fuel make it virtually impossible to build a single new plant that produces a form of energy that is safe and non-polluting.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
“Energy Policy and National Security”
Decision 2008 Presidential Candidates Forum
The Center for Strategic and International Studies
April 23, 2007


“I will not take nuclear power off the table. ... If you're truly interested in reducing, as we should, the use of fossil fuels and nonrenewable sources of energy, then you've got to have that option on the table at least for consideration.”

—Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.)
April 23, 2007


“I think [nuclear energy] definitely has a future.”

—William Reilly
Former Environmental Protection Agency administrator
April 21, 2007


“I think we have to have a place to store the waste. I think that nuclear power has got to be a vital part of our effort to be independent of foreign oil, and I think [Yucca Mountain is] a suitable place for storage.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
As quoted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal
April 20, 2007


“[As for new sources of energy,] the only rational answer is to look towards nuclear power.”

—New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg
As quoted by the New York Observer
“The Politicker”
April 20, 2007


“New technology, along with wind and solar power, can help us reduce our dependence. So can nuclear power. If done right, we can implement these new power sources and reduce our carbon output and dependence on foreign oil, without devastating our economy.”

—Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.)
House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming
April 18, 2007


“I look forward to the coming nuclear renaissance, which I believe will help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

—Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.)
April 16, 2007


“I believe there is a future for nuclear energy here in Ohio and elsewhere.”

—Gov. Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)
Southern States Energy Board’s ‘American Energy Security Summit’
April 16, 2007


“[Nuclear energy] represents one of the most important technologies that can reduce emissions and make America more energy independent.”

—Rep. Heather Wilson (R-N.M.)
As quoted by The Santa Fe New Mexican
“Bush Plan to Expand Nuclear Power Moves Forward”
April 16, 2007


“I’ve never been a fan of nuclear energy, but reducing emissions from the electricity sector presents a major challenge. And if we can be assured that new technologies help to produce nuclear energy safely and cleanly, then I think we have to take a look at it.”

—Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
As quoted by the Los Angeles Times
April 9, 2007


“[Nuclear plants] are a plus rather than a minus. … Almost any way you look at it, they are a plus, and we are happy to have them here.”

—Charles Grande
Commissioner, St. Lucie County, Fla.
As quoted by Palm Beach Post
April 8, 2007


“Mississippi is going to pursue … being an energy reliable state. To build a second nuclear power plant at Grand Gulf Station will be a big part of that.”

—Gov. Haley Barbour (R-Miss.)
April 5, 2007


“We need to explore safe uses of nuclear power in the future.”

—Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.)
March 29, 2007

“We’re going to have to find a way to expand nuclear power, because it’s one of the ways in which we can give ourselves [energy] independence and also not have it impact on the environment, on pollution, global warming—the things that concern people.”

—Rudy Giuliani
Former mayor of New York City
As quoted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal
March 29, 2007


“Energy demand will be doubling by the year 2030. Nuclear energy is and must continue to be an important part of a balanced energy portfolio.”

—Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-N.C.)
As quoted by Wilmington Star News
March 27, 2007


“I am not a reflexive opponent of nuclear power. I think nuclear is likely to play some role. I think there will be new nuclear plants and I am not opposed to nuclear power as a category.”

—Former Vice President Al Gore
House Energy and Commerce Hearing
March 21, 2007


“I, personally, support a very broad energy mix, and I think it is appropriate that we have nuclear power. I would like to see more nuclear plants built in the United States. Before we can do that, though, we have got to settle the problem of high-level nuclear waste disposal. … We are significantly behind schedule in getting [the Yucca Mountain] site open, and we’re working diligently to try to make that happen. Nuclear has to be a part of the long-term mix.”

—Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.)
C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal”
In response to phoned-in question about his views on nuclear energy
March 21, 2007


“I’m a big fan of nuclear energy.”

—Sen. Kit Bond (R-Mo.)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing
March 21, 2007


“Already the nuclear industry is a factor in contributing a baseload that is a clean source. … Now, there are 33 reactors on the drawing board, as opposed to one when the [Energy Policy Act of 2005] was signed. Ten in the next few years will pour concrete.”

—Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing
March 21, 2007


“We need to use atomic energy. … It’s time to review this and renew it, because we can have clean air with nuclear energy.”

—Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing
March 21, 2007


“If you really do want to become less dependant on foreign sources of energy and want to worry about the environment, there’s no better way to protect the environment than the renewable source of energy called nuclear power.”

—President George W. Bush
Ford Motor Co., Kansas City Assembly Plant
Claycomo, Mo.
March 20, 2007


“Nuclear must be a part of the solution to reduce the impact of global warming. There are people out there that think coal can never be clean and nuclear can never be safe. I’m not one of those people.”

—Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Pa.)
House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality hearing
March 20, 2007


“As we look at the challenges of climate change, nuclear power has to be part of the effort, and we should get it moving right away.”

—Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.)
House Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality hearing
March 20, 2007


“Developing new clean and efficient technologies that increase the use of domestically available sources of energy like coal, nuclear power and ethanol is the key to future energy security and economic growth.”

—Former House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert
March 6, 2007


“If we are to produce energy to maintain the quality of life and the standard of living that we have, even with massive conservation and given the number of people we have in this country and in the world and the startling growth in places like China and India and the undeveloped world, we have no choice but to utilize the nuclear option—absolutely no choice but to do so.”

—Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.)
Roll Call interview
March 5, 2007


“A rational nuclear power policy that will keep the lights on the jobs here would do these things first:

• Quit stalling: License and build the Yucca Mountain repository.
• Accelerate research and development of new nuclear power technology.
• Keep the safety and lose the bureaucracy in licensing new nuclear plants.”

—Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.)
The Hill op-ed
“Increasing Energy Independence Through Innovation and Ingenuity”
Feb. 28, 2007


“I think nuclear power has to be part of our energy solution. … I just want to be sure that we do it right, as carefully as we can because obviously it’s a tremendous source of energy. … So, we do have to look at it because it doesn’t put greenhouse gas emissions into the air, but we’ve got to make sure it’s done as safely as possible.”

—Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.)
Town hall meeting, Allen College
Columbia, S.C.
Feb. 19, 2007


“In the power sector, enhanced use of nuclear and renewable electricity generation … which produce virtually no air pollutants or greenhouse gases would limit emissions and take pressure off the demand for natural gas.”

—U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman
CERAWeek 2007
Feb. 14, 2007


“In the early days of my life in Congress, I was an opponent of nuclear energy because of questions on how to dispose of the waste. … The technology has changed, and I bring a more open mind to that subject now because I think we should look at this technology, and compare it to the alternatives.”

—Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
House Committee on Science and Technology Hearing
Feb. 8, 2007


“The fact is nuclear energy is clean. It produces zero emissions in operations. It has the lowest carbon footprint and is, therefore, undeniably a valuable tool for reining in greenhouse gas emissions both quickly and economically.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing
Jan. 30, 2007


“As the co-founder and former head of Greenpeace, and an environmentalist, I feel compelled to speak to the clean-air benefits of nuclear energy and the need for our nation to embrace nuclear energy as a key component of any greenhouse gas mitigation strategy.”

—Patrick Moore
Statement to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
Jan. 30, 2007

“Nuclear power is almost the only answer for clean electricity to meet our growing needs. When I look at all the options, I think nuclear is the leading technology.”

—Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)
As quoted by the Chattanooga Times Free Press
Jan. 28, 2007


“If … one of our objectives is to be serious about dealing with the environment, there’s no cleaner source of energy than nuclear power. And so we’re spending money and research to make sure that the next-generation power plant is safe. But also we’re spending money, interestingly enough, on how to process spent fuels better. And believe it or not, actually, we’re beginning to permit nuclear power plants here in America. And that’s going to be good for your children. It’s going to make us less dependent on natural gas from overseas, and it’s going to make us better stewards of the environment.”

—President George W. Bush
Wilmington, Del.
Jan. 24, 2007


“Expanding our use of nuclear power is the single most significant thing we can do to confront climate change.”

—Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.)
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
Jan. 24, 2007


“It's in our vital interest to diversify America's energy supply—the way forward is through technology. We must continue changing the way America generates electric power, by even greater use of clean coal technology, solar and wind energy, and clean, safe nuclear power.”

—President George W. Bush
State of the Union address
Jan. 23, 2007

“The idea that nuclear power should play no role in our future energy mix is an unsustainable position, particularly given the urgency and magnitude of the threat posed by global warming which most regard as the greatest environmental threat to the planet.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
Jan. 12, 2007


“South Carolina, and all of America, must work to ensure a stable, reliable supply of energy. We need to move quickly to pass legislation on all levels that would aid and abet our efforts to attain energy security, increase our domestic supply, reduce our demand, protect our environment, and allow us to provide low-cost and reliable energy. … Nuclear power is clean, safe, reliable and can rapidly lessen our reliance on foreign fuel sources. If this country is serious about addressing its energy needs, the environment and concerns about climate change, nuclear energy is certainly part of the answer.”

—South Carolina State Sen. William Mescher (R)
The Sun News op-ed
Jan. 6, 2007


“Nuclear is the only major non-carbon power source that is available in the near term.”

—Matt Bennett
Vice president, Third Way
January/February 2007 Nuclear Policy Outlook


“Nuclear power is going to be an essential source, in my judgement, of future electricity for the United States, and places like China and India. Nuclear power is renewable, and nuclear power does not emit one greenhouse gas. And it makes a lot of sense for us to share technologies that will enable people to feel confident that the nuclear power plants that are being built are safe.”

—President George W. Bush
Dec. 20, 2006


“I am proud our union is a strong supporter of nuclear energy development and use in the United States and in Michigan. There are many reasons we actively support and participate in all aspects of nuclear energy. The growth of nuclear energy will provide another source of secure and high-paying jobs. Building new nuclear plants in Michigan will provide those jobs for Michigan workers. … I also hold an elected position as mayor of Gibraltar, a city within the 10-mile radius of a nuclear power plant. I can tell you firsthand that our town has benefited from the reliability and safety of electricity generated by nuclear power.”

—James Beaubien
Mayor of Gibraltar, Mich.
President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 17
Crain’s Detroit Business op-ed
Dec. 18, 2006


“The vast majority of the members on my committee support nuclear power, and so do the majority in the Senate. So my focus is on safety, security and research, because I don’t think there is any question that we are going to be seeing new plants.”

—Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)
Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
McClatchy Newspapers
Dec. 17, 2006


“I firmly believe that it will be extremely difficult for this Valley to move forward, unless we become, in some way, energy self-sufficient. Energy bills have become burdensome to Valley families and businesses to the breaking point. … Nuclear energy is, by every measure, the safest form of energy available today. Producing our own nuclear power would make us not only self-sufficient, but a supplier to the grid as well. The safety concerns have been met, the economic advantages are being analyzed, so full-speed ahead.”

—Alan Autry (R)
Mayor of Fresno, Calif.
The Fresno Bee Editorial Opinion blog
Dec. 13, 2006


“Absolutely. I always have [supported nuclear energy]. I’ve been involved in the early design—the very first nuclear plant to produce any kind of power. Sometimes they would only light up a few light bulbs, and later they became, as you know, producers of a good bit of power. And other nations have gone into nuclear power with no danger to the people around them—France, Japan, many others. There have been a few accidents. We had an accident at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania when I was president. Nobody was killed. There were a whole lot of horrible threats written in The Washington Post. The next day my wife and I went to Three Mile Island, and we went into the control room with TV cameras to reassure frightened Americans that it was OK.”

—Former President Jimmy Carter
C-SPAN2’s “Book World”
Dec. 3, 2006


“We are seeing the American people accept nuclear energy. In no small part, this is because the industry is proposing construction right next to existing facilities. The American people are saying, ‘We’ve had these nuclear plants and we welcome expansion of nuclear power in our country.’”

—Sen. Pet Domenici (R-N.M.)
American Nuclear Society Winter Meeting
Nov. 13, 2006


“Nuclear power is safe and nuclear power is clean and nuclear power is renewable.”

—President George W. Bush
Piney Point, Md.
Sept. 4, 2006


“I think nuclear power has been proven to be safe, does not pollute the atmosphere and can be a competitive source of energy in the years ahead. … I think expansion of nuclear power has to be one of the ingredients in an energy security policy for our country.”

—Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas)
Interview with Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald
Sept. 1, 2006


“[W]e must—we must expand our nuclear power industry if we want to be competitive in the 21st century. We have got to be wise—we have got to push hard to build new plants.”

—President George W. Bush
National Association of Manufacturers, Washington, D.C.
July 27, 2006


“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, I have worked closely with my committee members to write essential legislation and increase critical oversight to ensure the development of a safe, secure and affordable nuclear energy future for our country, ... [including] the critical provisions [in the Energy Policy Act of 2005] needed for a nuclear renaissance. ... Because of these, nine generating companies and consortiums across the United States are preparing applications for permission to build between nine and 19 new nuclear power plants. If all 19 are built, they would generate between 20,000 and 25,000 megawatts of new electricity by 2020. Those plants would also create tens of thousands of construction jobs and approximately 10,000 high-paying, high-tech plant-operation jobs. ... After visiting this site, I strongly support the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. ... Through all that has been gained by 20 years and $8.6 billion of world-leading scientific research, one thing has remained constant—the more we examine Yucca Mountain, the better it looks. There is certainly no scientific reason not to move directly forward with this project.”

—Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.)
The Hill
June 7, 2006


“[C]ellulosic ethanol, should it fulfill its promise, would help to wean us of our petroleum dependence, as could clean coal and nuclear power. With those developments, oil in the years ahead will remain an important element of our energy future, but it need no longer be the dominant player.”

—Alan Greenspan
Former chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing
June 7, 2006


“I firmly believe that nuclear power is a key technology for addressing climate change. As we develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we simply cannot ignore this emission-free technology. While there are other sources of low or zero emission power sources, they simply do not have the power density to match that of nuclear power plants. … I strongly believe nuclear energy can and should play an even greater role, not because I have some inordinate love affair with splitting the atom, but for the very simple reason that we must support sustainable, zero-emission alternatives such as nuclear if we are serious about addressing the problem of global warming.”

—Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.)
Clean Cities Congress and Exposition 2006
May 8, 2006


“The future in nuclear power is one that has to be on the table. ... Because nuclear power emits hardly any greenhouse emissions, and because its technology is improved, you have to look at it as an option.”

—Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.)
Former U.S. secretary of energy
As quoted by the Sun-Sentinel (Fla.)
March 26, 2006


“I strongly support the Yucca Mountain repository program, and I am concerned about a number of matters that are affecting the now long delayed opening of this facility.”

—Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.)
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing
March 15, 2006


“I would like to go on record once again with my concern that Yucca Mountain receive adequate annual appropriations, and my support for the legislation to prevent pillaging, both of the $19 billion in past rate payer contributions in the corpus of the Nuclear Waste Fund and future contributions.”

—Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.)
U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing
March 15, 2006


“I get that electricity demand in the United States is expected to increase by 50 percent in the next twenty years. And I get that nuclear energy is the only reliable carbon-free, emissions-free source of electricity currently available that could possibly provide the baseload capacity to meet this demand.”

—Rep. Judy Biggert (R-Ill.)
“Reflections on Spent Fuel Recycling—A U.S. National Security Imperative”
Feb. 28, 2006


“[Nuclear power] is a very important part of our [energy] mix today. We cannot afford to be without it at this point. The record across the country is not one of recklessness. The relicensing has been pretty responsible up until now.”

—Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.)
The Patriot Ledger (Quincy, Mass.)
Feb. 15, 2006


“Nuclear power holds great potential to be an integral part of a diversified energy portfolio for America. It produces no greenhouse gas emissions, so it can help clean up the air and combat climate changes.”

—Progressive Policy Institute
Energy Strategy