The Clean and Safe Energy Coalition Takes Nuclear Energy Message to Michigan
Nuclear Energy should be an Important Part of Michigan’s Energy Diversification Plan
DETROIT, MICHIGAN November 10, 2006 – Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace and co-chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition - also known as the CASEnergy Coalition - announced today that he is taking his message about nuclear energy to Michigan. Dr. Moore called on Michigan residents to join the CASEnergy Coalition in supporting the use of nuclear power as a clean, safe, reliable and cost-effective way to balance America’s energy demands and protect the environment.
The CASEnergy Michigan kick-off was held at the Detroit Athletic Club in Detroit, where Dr. Moore was joined by State Senator Buzz Thomas, Melissa Trustman with the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, and James Beaubien, President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 17 in Michigan.
“Our country’s significant energy demands keep growing. We must diversify our energy sources to meet these needs,” said Dr. Moore. “Nuclear energy should be an important part of this diversification plan, especially since its production generates no air pollutants or greenhouse gases.”
Four nuclear power plants generated 32,871,574 MWh in 2005, which accounted for 27.1% of Michigan’s Electricity. If a new nuclear power plant were built in Michigan, it would create 1,400 to 1,800 construction jobs, employ 400-500 full-time professional workers, result in 400-500 jobs in the surrounding communities, and generate $500 million a year for the local economy. Additionally, nuclear power in Michigan avoided the emission of 212,500 tons of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), 56,000 tons of Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and 30.6 million metric tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) in the year 2005. For perspective, the 56,000 tons of NOx avoided by the nuclear power plants in Michigan is the amount of NOx released in a year by 2.9 million passenger cars. There are 4.7 million cars registered in the state of Michigan.
“Scientific evidence shows that nuclear power is an environmentally sound and safe energy choice,” said Dr. Moore. “To create a safe environment and secure energy for our future, the United States must regain its leadership in this area. If the United States were to double nuclear energy production, it would be possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing our energy supply.”
A recent survey, conducted on behalf of the CASEnergy Coalition, shows that Americans are looking for clean, affordable, domestically produced energy. They are already favorable to nuclear energy, but may not know enough about it.
Nuclear energy currently produces electricity for one out of five U.S. homes and businesses. In Michigan, nuclear energy accounts for about 27% of the state’s electricity. The CASEnergy Coalition advocates increasing nuclear energy production.
The Coalition’s goals include educating Americans about the benefits of nuclear energy and garnering support for nuclear energy as a component of a diverse strategy to meet America’s energy needs today and in the future. The Coalition serves as an umbrella group under which disparate organizations and interests who share a desire for clean, reliable, safe and affordable electricity sources can unite. There are more than 600 charter members of the Coalition from across the United States.
The CASEnergy Coalition is funded by the Nuclear Energy Institute, and membership is open to individuals, corporations, and non-profit institutions.
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