Nuclear Power is Looking for a New Identity

March 6, 2009

by Susan Nilon in News, Politics, Sarasota-Manatee

Coming up during this legislative session, the powers-that-be would like to reclassify nuclear energy and include it in the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). They will try to get away with doing this by changing the name to a "Clean Energy Portfolio Standard."

Now why is that?

The Renewable Portfolio Standard is a regulatory policy that requires the increased production of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energies. Nowhere does it indicate nuclear power. The reason that this rating is so important is because RPS places an obligation on electricity supply companies to produce a specified fraction of their electricity from renewable energy sources.

RPS relies almost entirely on the private market for its implementation. Those supporting the adoption of RPS mechanisms claim that market implementation will result in competition, efficiency and innovation that will deliver renewable energy at the lowest possible cost, allowing renewable energy to compete with cheaper fossil fuel energy sources.

As of Feb. 1, House Bill 7135 has gone into effect and, with the help of Governor Crist's Executive Order 07-127, utilities are now required to produce at least 20 percent of their electricity from renewable resources by 2020. With the unbelievable resources of the state and the amazing skill of Floridians to pull up their boot straps during this down economy and create their own renewable future, Florida can exceed well beyond that goal.

But now, utility lobbyists are pushing hard to have nuclear power placed under that umbrella by having the name changed to "Clean Energy Portfolio Standard." What this will do is lessen the need to promote renewable energy sources and keep the power of the utility companies in the hands of government. Renewable energy is primed for entrepreneurs and allows everyday people to participate. If we allow the reclassification of the RPS and allow it to include nuclear power, then we are loading our pants with stones before we even begin the race. Allowing nuclear to qualify for the renewable portfolio standard is like allowing white males to qualify for the minority/women-owned business designation - it defeats the purpose.

Nuclear energy is provided with subsidy on top of subsidy. They have early cost recovery and have been given every green light that the Florida legislature could possibly give them. What is the point except to maintain a monopoly and keep the little guys from becoming stronger?

Right now there is overwhelming support for nuclear power in both the House and Senate, along with the governor's office. So far, Rep. Paige Kreegel, Chair of the House Energy Committee, has supported the entrepreneurial appeal to renewable energy. He has also opposed energy policies in the past and it is unknown how he will support this.

On March 16th and 17th, there will be a Citizen's Lobby Day and the Renewable Energy Roundtable in Tallahassee. Environmentalist groups like Sarasota Network for Climate Action (SNCA) and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) are asking for your support. If you can't be there in Tallahassee to meet with your state Rreps, then the phone is always a good way you to stay in touch! For more information, you can contact SACE or SNCA.