New Nuclear Power Plants in Texas
The first application in the country in almost three decades to build nuclear power plants has been filed by NRG Energy, Inc. They want to build two new plants at the South Texas Project in Matagorda County, near Bay City, Texas where there are two existing reactors.
The application NRG has submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is for two of seven plants proposed for Texas.
The Union of Concerned Scientists and other reputable experts in the energy and environmental field have voiced concern over the resurgence of interest in nuclear power as fuel shortages and global warming loom as threats in the near future.
The concerns over plant safety and nuclear waste that were realized with Chernobyl and Three Mile Island are still reasons for caution today. In addition to concerns about safety, the cost overruns and long delays in construction that plagued the nuclear industry in the past are likely be part of the scenario if these plants are approved and funded. The cost overruns with the South Texas Projects first two plants in the 1980s caused unexpected rate increases and bond sales that led to financial problems for both municipal utilities in San Antonio and Austin.
A study commissioned by City Public Service Energy Company of San Antonio, found that the city could meet it’s power needs at lower costs through energy efficiency. Let your local, state and national representatives you want them to forget the risky, costly business of nuclear power and get focused on energy efficiency, and development of the abundant solar and wind resources of Texas.