Jerry Paul, a nuclear engineer, attorney and former member of the Florida Legislature previously served as “principal deputy administrator of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration and was the Distinguished Fellow for Energy Policy at the University of Tennessee Howard Baker Center for Public Policy.”  

He writes in the Tallahassee Democrat that “this year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is concluding a multi-year site selection process that has culminated with a favorable recommendation by an independent judge to place two new nuclear units at the existing Turkey Point site in South Florida. Soon this project will go before the state’s Siting Board.”  

“While a small but vocal group of activists will oppose commercial nuclear power at every turn, there is a growing chorus across the country that a balanced portfolio that includes nuclear energy is essential. Over the last five decades, five Florida nuclear plants have provided the largest quantity of zero-emission electricity supply in a safe, reliable way to quietly fuel our homes and businesses.”  

Paul continues that “state and national leaders are echoing the sentiments of the American business community, utility customers and parents across the United States. In addition to the environmental benefits, they recognize that, even during harsh climate events, nuclear power stands strong as the most efficient, affordable and reliable source of large-scale, around-the-clock electricity.”  

“Failing to afford Florida utility customers this option for the future would simply be a mistake.”