Nuclear Matters' co-chairs praise Florida Power & Light Company for contributions to economy, clean energy

Nuclear Matters' co-chairs praised Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) yesterday for its contributions to the state’s economy and the clean energy it supplies.

Former Sens. Evan Bayh (D-IN) and Judd Gregg (R-NH) were responding to a report issued the same day by the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), titled “Economic Impact of Florida Power & Light Company’s Nuclear Power Plants.” The report showed FPL’s nuclear plants have a statewide impact of $1.4 billion annually and prevent the release of more than 15 million tons of carbon dioxide.

“NEI’s report clearly shows that FPL’s nuclear facilities bring significant benefits to Florida’s economy as a whole, as well to the communities where the plants operate,” Gregg said. “These plants provide thousands of jobs at higher-than-average wages. These plants should be recognized for their role in boosting jobs and economic growth across the state.”

Bayh said that Florida residents and businesses are fortunate to have a clean, reliable source of energy. He cited NEI’s findings showing the efficiency of FPL’s St. Lucie and Turkey Point plants, which generate approximately 3,700 megawatts of emissions-free, around-the-clock electricity at 90 percent capacity.