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Gov. Whitman addressed current and future role of nuclear power

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Gov. Whitman (left) with Dr. Teegen

Christine Todd Whitman, former Governor of New Jersey and former director of the Environmental Protection Agency, spoke at the Moore School of Business on November 19, 2007, in her role as co-chair of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy Coalition). Whitman's speech about the importance of nuclear energy as a base source of energy in the United States led to a lively question-and-answer session with a very interested and engaged audience. The event was co-sponsored by the School of the Environment and the Moore School of Business and was also attended by individuals from many other University departments.

Whitman supports renewable and alternative energy sources and says that conservation is critical, but points out that those sources will not be able to meet the anticipated 40 percent increase in demand by 2030. Currently, more than 50 percent of U.S. power is provided by coal-powered plants, which pump greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. She supports nuclear energy because it is a clean and safe alternative to coal. Whitman was quick to point out that there is no magic bullet, but views nuclear energy as the best option while we continue to search for new sources to meet the growing demand for energy.

Like her CASEnergy Coalition co-chair Dr. Patrick Moore, co-founder of Greenpeace, Whitman has been traveling the U.S. engaging groups in open discussions about nuclear energy. "People have important questions about nuclear power and they need to be answered," stated Whitman. "But we need to get away from the emotional debate and get to the facts. We need to have real discussions based on facts so that we can make rational decisions about our future."

Whitman said the U.S. government needs to establish a national energy plan to meet the rising demand for energy. She has a commitment to growing the economy while protecting the environment and ensuring clear air quality. Currently 20 percent of energy produced in the U.S. is from nuclear power plants. Whitman believes that nuclear power is vital and that 20 percent should be maintained, but in order to do that the U.S. will need to produce more nuclear power plants.

Whitman praised South Carolina's use of nuclear power-51.1% of South Carolina's energy is from its seven nuclear power plants. Whitman said that that clean nuclear energy has reduced emissions of nitrogen oxide by 7900 tons (that would have been produced by coal-burning plants), which is equivalent to the emissions of 4.2 million passenger cars.

Whitman said the goal of CASEnergy Coalition is to build partnerships between the business, environmental, academic, consumer and labor communities to support nuclear energy. "Frankly, there is no one part of our economy that has all the answers," said Whitman.