A bicameral, bipartisan nuclear energy committee out of the Commonwealth’s General Assembly has issued a report that warns of the planned closing of two Pennsylvania nuclear power facilities, Three Mile Island in 2019 and Beaver Valley in 2021, which together produce just under 10% of the state’s total power
Many Lebanon County residents would lose their jobs if the plant is shut down. According the report, state nuclear power plants generate 16,000 jobs in Pennsylvania and contributing more than $2 billion annually to the Commonwealth’s economy
According to a Press & Journal report from earlier this year, 43 workers at the plant reside in Lebanon County.
The committee was co-chaired by Senators Ryan Aument (R-36), John Yudichak (D-14) along with Representatives Becky Corbin (R-155) and Rob Matzie (D-16).
According to a report by StateImpact PA from the press conference releasing the report, some lawmakers believe that climate change is the reason to make sure these plants continue operating.
Sen. Aument is quoted as saying, “When you look at the election results and the challenges Republicans have had among highly educated folks in suburban parts of Pennsylvania, I think there has been a political consequence for the fact that we’ve not addressed climate change in any meaningful way.”
The report offers four options to determine the future of Pennsylvania’s nuclear industry. The first is allowing the region’s grid operator to set prices. Others include zero emissions credit programs, modifications of the Modify Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, and the establishment of a Pennsylvania carbon pricing program.
You can find the full document at the link below.
