Recently, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued licenses for two new reactors at South Carolina Electric and Gas’ V.C. Summer Nuclear Station in Fairfield County. This marks an exciting reinvestment in nuclear energy, a safe alternative to carbon dioxide-emitting fossil fuel power plants. The NRC’s approval signifies the growing momentum in this country toward the expansion of nuclear power. With electricity demand in this country expected to rise by 20 percent in the coming decades, this decision by the NRC could not have come at a better time.

The NRC’s decision paves the way for progress in securing America’s future energy supply. The next generation of nuclear energy facilities will be safer than ever. Engineers have created innovations in reactor design that protect the reactor from extreme events and improves its ability to cope with a complete loss of power.

The NRC has a thorough, multi-year review process that resolves any safety concerns before a company is issued a license to build a reactor. These are the facts of the new nuclear power, not the emotional falsehoods used by the anti-nuclear crowd. The construction and operation of new nuclear energy facilities will also bring billions of dollars to local economies and create thousands of jobs, all while providing South Carolinians with an affordable, environmentally clean and reliable source of energy.

Support for nuclear power remains strong in the U.S.; this week’s news of the NRC’s decision is proof that the regulatory system works to make choices for our energy future based on facts rather than rhetoric. This is good news, as our sustainable energy future depends on it.

Sen. Creighton Coleman,

Representing Chester, Fairfield, York, and Richland counties