Mehaffie Introduces Bill to Expand Nuclear Energy Production in PA
April 4, 2022
HARRISBURG – Legislation being crafted by Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) would spur development of small modular reactors, which are nuclear fission reactors that can provide clean energy despite weather conditions and sunshine.
Mehaffie is gathering support and co-sponsors for a bill that would direct funds from Pennsylvania participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to growing reactors’ capabilities in the state. Mehaffie wants to see the technology for small modular reactors be used to replace the lost clean energy production of Three Mile Island, which ceased production in 2019.
“Developing small modular reactor capabilities at shuttered or decommissioned power plants across the Commonwealth would create jobs and another source of energy at a time when we are reducing dependence on Russia. Small modular reactors can provide clean, safe power without the massive investment to develop a traditional nuclear power plant,” Mehaffie said. “It is important for national security we have baseload power in this country.”
Pennsylvania is the nation’s third-largest producer of electricity, with a robust traditional nuclear energy fleet. However, integrating emerging technologies for nuclear energy production provides an innovative opportunity to modernize Pennsylvania’s power grid without carbon emissions.
“Dauphin County lost hundreds of family-sustaining jobs when we suffered the devastating blow of losing Three Mile Island several years ago. It was an absurd move that never should have happened, as the Legislature could have intervened then. The General Assembly failed us in 2019 and should approve this new bill to rectify that situation,” Mehaffie said.
Mehaffie said he looks forward to working with members of the House and Senate to ensure the Commonwealth remains an energy exporter and job creator.
Representative Tom Mehaffie
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6335
jfitch@pahousegop.com
RepMehaffie.com / Facebook.com/RepMehaffie
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