Supportive comments for nuclear plant extension

A state lawmaker, a civic leader, and a university official were among those who filled the ears yesterday of NRC workers involved in determining whether Oconee Nuclear Station receives a second, extended license.  It’s a multi-year process to decide whether Duke Energy’s three-unit power maker in Oconee is deserving of an additional 20 years of life.  Going to bat for Duke were State Senator Thomas Alexander, Chairman Darryl Broome of the Oconee Chamber of Commerce, and Serita Acker, who directs science, technology, engineering, and mathematics studies at Clemson University.  In their supportive comments, they were joined by Steve Snider, the first-year Oconee Nuclear site vice president.  Among other reasons, they called attention, to Duke’s record of steady, safe electric power production, along with the huge economic benefits the operations mean for the local area.  Yesterday’s proceeding was a scoping meeting in which Nuclear Regulatory officials sought public opinion on any environmental impact that should be weighed in their decision.  Public comment on this aspect remains open until September 9.  A draft environmental impact report is to be prepared by April of 2022.