CHRIS GIBSON
20th District, New York
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HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
Subcommittee on Emerging Threats
and Capabilities
Subcommittee on Readiness
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HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE
Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry
Subcommittee on General Farm
Commodities and Risk Management
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http://gibson.house.gov |
 | WASHINGTON
502 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5614
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Delhi, NY 13753
(607) 746-9537 |
April 15, 2011
Mr. RICHARD M. WELLS
67 Corinth Mtn Rd
Gansevoort, NY 12831-1209
Dear Mr. WELLS:
Thank you for contacting me regarding energy issues. It is good to hear from you.
I support a comprehensive energy strategy that leverages multiple methods of energy production. An "all of the above" approach is vital for both guaranteeing the strength of the American economy and the safety and security of the American people. Too often our energy debate digresses into a misguided discussion between various proponents of energy sources. Rather than Congress picking and choosing one or two methods of energy production, we should support and incentivize several methods of production in an effort to develop a diverse energy sector that is market-driven and leads to energy independence.
An "all of the above" energy proposal would increase energy independence and job creation by increasing safe American energy production, encouraging the development of alternative and renewable energy, and promoting greater efficiencies and conservation for a cleaner environment. I intend to work on an approach that that will reduce carbon emissions through more conservation and increased use of renewable fuels and alternatives, such as nuclear and clean coal technologies. An all of the above approach will create jobs and bring down prices for the American people by increasing environmentally-safe production of energy in the United States. New Yorkers want energy independence and I believe our state is in a unique position to lead on this issue.
A major cornerstone of a national energy approach is nuclear energy. In conjunction with other methods of energy, I remain a proponent of safe and clean nuclear energy. Sadly, no nuclear power plants have been constructed in the United States since 1978, and more than 100 reactors have been canceled. The United States currently has 104 licensed reactors, at 65 plant sites in 31 states, which generates about 20 percent of the nation's electricity. Nuclear plants generate more than half the electricity in six states and New York remains one of the top users of nuclear-based energy. Annual electricity production from U.S. nuclear power plants is much greater than that from oil and hydropower and other renewable energy sources. Some of the reasons for the 30-year suspension in nuclear power construction include: high capital costs, public concern about nuclear safety and waste disposal, and regulatory compliance issues. Some of these issues were addressed in energy legislation that was passed in 2005, but the lack of new nuclear construction shows us that more needs to be done to improve the process.
The Obama Administration submitted a $754 million FY2012 funding request for Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear energy research and development. His budget also included $36 billion in loan guarantees to assist with new nuclear construction. During President Obama's State of the Union Address, he called for "building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants". I am encouraged by the President's request, but I believe more needs to be done to streamline the permitting and process issues associated with nuclear construction. Last year, the Department of Energy estimated that residential electricity demand will rise 24 percent by 2035, about one each year. This figure, coupled with volatile events in the Middle East, underscore the urgent need to address our energy demands. American consumers and businesses should not be held hostage to volatile global energy markets. This is an American issue, and it will require a bipartisan solution.
The recent and tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan has rightfully sparked a new debate over the safety of nuclear power. Given the recent events, I support the President's plan to review the safety of our nuclear facilities. The President has also said that the United States can still move forward with new, safe, and clean nuclear generation. I agree. However, as events in Japan continue unfold, I will monitor the situation and gather all the facts. It is essential that we learn from this event, and I am particularly interested in learning how the older technology in Japan differs from the new nuclear technology that exists today. Any future nuclear power in the United States should utilize state-of-the-art technology in order to mitigate risks from natural disaster, terrorist attacks, technological deficiencies and human error. Most importantly, this time is best spent gather information, not debating public policy. My thoughts and prayers are with the Japanese people during their hour of need. Having coordinated relief efforts in Haiti after the devastating earthquake there, I am personally aware of the destruction that follows such an event.
I stand willing to work with the Administration and House Democrats to address this important issue. As this debate unfolds, please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts and concerns through my website http://gibson.house.gov or over the phone at (202) 225-5614.
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Sincerely, Chris Gibson
Member of Congress |
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