WORKFORCE DIVERSITY

For Engineering and IT Professionals

FA L L 2 0 0 9

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Powering Up – Careers
in Nuclear Energy
By Michael A. Casano

I
t has been nearly 60 years since
Idaho’s Experimental Breeder
Reactor 1 (EBR-1) became the
first electricity-generating nuclear
power plant in the United States. At
the time, EBR-1 produced enough
electricity to power four 200-watt
light bulbs, later expanding its power
capabilities to light up the entire
facility. Today, nuclear power plants
supply approximately 20% of the
electricity used by the United States
each year, according to the Energy
Information Administration (EIA).
Currently, there are 104 nuclear THERESA MOTKO, CLYDE THOMAS,
reactors operating in 31 states. CASENERGY MEMBER CASENERGY MEMBER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, SYSTEM ENGINEER,
ENTERGY CONSTELLATION ENERGY
Much has been written about
nuclear energy, with many of the
cleansafeenergy.org), a national Todd Whitman and co-founder and
discussions focused on the safety
grassroots coalition that promotes former leader of Greenpeace, Dr.
of the nuclear plants that generate
the economic and environmental Patrick Moore.
it. In response, there are a number
of organizations that are quick to benefits of nuclear power through

point out how nuclear energy can regional and national media and Regardless of what side of the

improve energy security and ensure
clean air quality, saying it minimally
impacts the carbon footprint, unlike
the burning of coal and fossil fuels.
One such organization is the
CASEnergy Coalition (www.
educational outreach. Made up
of more than 2,000 members
across the business, environmental,
academic, consumer, and labor
community, the coalition is led by
former Environmental Protection
Agency Administrator Christine
debate you are on, what cannot be
argued is the industry’s desire to
have the most qualified engineers,
technicians, and other young
professionals working in key
positions. This fact is no more
apparent than at the Indian Point

PAGE 1
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
Energy Center (IPEC) in Buchanan,
NY. Owned and operated by the
Entergy Corporation (www.entergy.
com), IPEC’s two operating nuclear
units generate more than 2,000
megawatts at 98% capacity – one
of the highest rates in the industry.
At full strength, the units generate
enough electricity to supply power
to homes, businesses, hospitals,
and other critical infrastructure in
New York City’s five boroughs and
Westchester County.
OVIDIO RAMIREZ, ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS ENGINEER, ENTERGY
One of the engineers responsible
to maintain the operational
success at IPEC is Ovidio
Ramirez. An electrical systems
engineer at the facility, Ramirez
is involved in reactor protection
and control, which addresses all
the instrumentation and control
systems that regulate power in
the reactor. Ramirez handles the
analysis, design, management, and
implementation of modifications to
those systems, identifying potential
issues before they escalate.
“The object here is to be proactive
with addressing the monitoring
tools used to watch anything
involving the core,” says Ramirez.
“Once you see any sort of
degrading trend, we look to start
some sort of troubleshooting
instance, or if not, some solution to
eliminate those degrading trends.”
Ramirez’s decision to pursue a
career in nuclear energy came
about during his senior year at
Manhattan College. Focused on
electrical engineering, Ramirez
began looking for jobs at electric
companies such as Con Edison.
However, his plans changed after
speaking with representatives of
Entergy at a school career fair.
“When you’re in the electrical
engineering field, it becomes
second nature to build or analyze
circuits,” explains Ramirez. “Here,
a lot of the troubleshooting
involves a similar analysis of
circuits,” explains Ramirez. “Here,
a lot of the troubleshooting
involves a similar analysis of
circuits to figure out what the
issues can possibly be. So, I’m able
to use my particular background in
circuit analysis I learned in college
when coming up with a solution to
address a particular issue involving
circuitry here at the plant.”
If you look to break into the nuclear
energy field, Ramirez notes it is
important to take engineering
courses related to general power
and power transmission. A strong
general background gives you an
immediate advantage since many
engineers begin working on those
types of systems first, instead of
more involved circuitry work.
As far as soft skills training, public
speaking is high atop Ramirez’s
list. “You’re required to speak to
hiring bosses and in front of large
groups of people to give statuses
on what you’re working on,” he
remarks. “If there’s an issue, you’re
responsible to clearly present
what that situation is and make
recommendations on a solution.
And, you’re going to have to deal
with various departments to make
sure they understand how to
implement your solution. So, you
need to feel comfortable speaking
with everyone to keep things
moving and to make sure you
clearly get your points across.”
THERESA MOTKO, ELECTRICAL
ENGINEER, ENTERGY
Theresa Motko agrees on
the importance of strong
communications skills – given
the benefits she found by taking
professional development classes
in college where she practiced
public speaking and presentations.
A colleague of Ramirez’s at IPEC,
Motko maintains the reliability of
the instrumentation and safety
systems that regulate power in
the reactor. Much like Ramirez,
Motko’s entry into the field came
about after hearing others speak
positively about the profession.
Motko attended Sacred Heart
Academy in Hempstead, NY – a
high school focused predominantly
on liberal arts, medicine, and law.
However, during her senior year, an
PAGE 2
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
“Although the nuclear
energy industry is
heavy in technical
and engineering
disciples, there are
also opportunities in
other areas, such as
in business services,
communications,
and law…there is
a diverse group of
people working here
who operate the
facility. There’s a lot
of opportunity out
here, especially with
the development of
new sites. It’s an
exciting time for
those of us working
here.”
electrical engineer from the New
York Power Authority came in to
speak to her math class, part of an
initiative to raise awareness of the
career with high-school girls.
“The engineer explained that there
were not a lot of women in the
field and that there were a lot of
opportunities there,” she recalls.
“At that point, I had decided to
pursue biomedical engineering,
where I would at least have the
engineering background. But I
also wanted to pursue a career in
the medical field. However, after
beginning college, I decided that
I did like the engineering aspects,
so I switched over to electrical
engineering.”
Motko says that misunderstandings
on the safety of nuclear energy
can be attributed to the limited
knowledge people may have in
general on how energy is created.
That, in turn, may cause some
hesitancy by qualified engineers
to pursue jobs in the field. “The
biggest hurdle when it comes to
nuclear energy being discussed
is the fact that many people have
that negative connotation, not
only with Three Mile Island but
also with Chernobyl,” she declares.
“The misconception is that we’re
susceptible to the same kind of
failure or accident happening here
in the United States. We’re not
because it’s two totally different
designed types of reactors.”
Instead, Motko emphasizes that
the current business environment
is ideal for aspiring engineers
looking for jobs in nuclear energy.
Many of the engineers who began
in the industry now look to retire,
providing opportunities for new
engineers to take their place. “I was
actually part of the first string of
new hires straight out of college,”
she remembers. “Now, we have
quite a number of new engineers
here. Being around people
the same age and with similar
backgrounds gives us a great
sense of camaraderie. It’s a good
networking group as well.”
To enter the field, both Motko and
Ramirez encourage affiliations
with related organizations so you
can network and learn of potential
job opportunities. Along with
being members of the CASEnergy
Coalition, Ramirez and Motko
belong to the North American
Young Generation in Nuclear,
comprised of young professionals
passionate about the nuclear
industry who want us share their
ideas through networking with
other companies and individuals.
Aspiring engineers should also
explore internships with companies
while in college. For example, IPEC
offers summer internships and co-
op programs that provide a good
learning experience for students
because they get to experience the
day-in, day-out work engineers do.
PAGE 3
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
If there is one aspect students
interested in entering the nuclear
energy industry should keep
in mind, it’s that the field has
opportunities for both technical
and non-technical professionals.
It is one of the highest paying
(according to a 2006 U.S.
Department of Labor study, the
median annual salary for nuclear
engineers is $90,220). And,
the field can arguably boast job
security since primary work must
be done right at the nuclear
facility, limiting the possibilities of
outsourcing work overseas.
That’s why people who may have
doubts entering in the field should
consider the real potential working in
the nuclear energy industry can bring.
Motko adds: “Although the nuclear
energy industry is heavy in technical
and engineering disciplines, there
are also opportunities in other
areas, such as in business services,
communications, and law. Although
it’s a specific industry, there is a
diverse group of people working
here who operate the facility.
There’s a lot of opportunity out here,
especially with the development of
new sites. It’s an exciting time for
those of us working here.”
CLYDE R. THOMAS, SYSTEM
ENGINEER, CONSTELLATION
ENERGY
For the past five years, Clyde R.
Thomas of Constellation Energy,
has held the position of system
“To help meet the
engineer at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear
Power Plant (CCNPP). He was country’s need for
recently reassigned to the design
department where he is in training reliable, economic,
to become an instrument and
controls (I&C) design engineer.
and emission-free
“Once I become qualified for electricity, the
my new position, I will provide
documentation and solutions for nuclear energy
completion of new and existing
modifications to plant equipment,” industry becomes
explains Thomas.
an obvious choice…
He adds, “My short-term goals The nuclear industry
include pursuing my passion to help
reduce our country’s dependence relies on committed
on fossil fuels and lowering CO2
emissions. Eventually, I hope people with integrity
to apply for a position within
Constellation Energy Projects &
who are willing to
Services Group in its photovoltaic act as stewards of
department.”
public health, safety,
Thomas, who is also a member of
CASEnergy and North American and the environment.
Young Generation in Nuclear
System engineers
(NA-YGN)), is also interested in
exploring solar power research and play a vital role to
the ability to use the power of the
sun to produce electricity. resolve problems and
But for now, he notes, every day at improve processes
work is unique and challenging.
that will affect the
“My primary responsibilities
as a system engineer involve nation.”
performance monitoring activities,
which include developing and
deciphering trend data, providing
technical support for daily
operations, plant improvements,
and equipment acquisitions,”
PAGE 4
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
comments Thomas. “I am also
responsible for analysis, self-
assessment, technical procedure
reviews, corrective action
responses, root cause analysis,
critical path analysis, and detailed
review of vendor engineering
products.”
The most challenging aspect
of Thomas’s job is to interface
with the various disciplines. “On
a day-to-day basis, I interact
with engineering, maintenance,
operations staff, and other
groups both inside and outside
the company to quickly resolve
technical issues,” says Thomas,
who notes that in his quest to
provide technical support to
the field, he typically finds most
everyone has their own problem-
solving solutions. “Even though
everyone has good ideas, rarely
does everyone agree on one
solution. As a system engineer,
the challenge is to evaluate the
various resolutions, including
my own, in order to find a viable
solution,” he declares.
As a CCNPP employee, Thomas
wears many hats. In addition
to his primary responsibilities
as a system engineer, he also
plays an important role within
the emergency response (ER)
organization, assisting with
evacuation and protective
measures in the unlikely event
of an emergency situation at the
plant. “I find it satisfying to know
I am qualified to assist those in
need in case of an emergency,”
notes Thomas, who enjoys the
variety of roles he performs.
THE OBVIOUS CHOICE
While in school, Thomas who
earned a bachelor’s degree
in electrical engineering from
Penn State University, focused
on digital signal processing; he
also attended classes and earned
credits in power systems. “My
college education prepared me
for my system engineer position
by providing me with the skills
and tools needed to analyze
problems in order to achieve a
logical solution. Most days I use
my problem-solving skills to find
solutions,” reiterates Thomas.
Thomas states those interested in
a career in the nuclear industry
will find it to be an investment in
a stable, viable future – one that
involves producing electricity that
doesn’t deplete or diminish current
resources, such as fossil fuels. “To
help meet the country’s need for
reliable, economic, and emission-
free electricity, the nuclear industry
becomes an obvious choice,”
explains Thomas. “The nuclear
industry relies on committed people
with integrity who are willing to
act as stewards of public health,
safety, and the environment.
System engineers play a vital role
to resolve problems and improve
processes that will affect the
nation,” concludes Thomas.
Constellation Energy (www.
constellation.com) is a leading
supplier of energy products
and services to wholesale and
retail electric and natural gas
customers. It owns a diversified
fleet of generating units located
in the United States and Canada,
totaling approximately 7,100
megawatts of generating capacity,
and is among the leaders pursuing
the development of new nuclear
plants in the United States. The
company delivers electricity and
natural gas through the Baltimore
Gas and Electric Company (BGE),
its regulated utility in Central
Maryland. A Fortune 500 company
headquartered in Baltimore,
Constellation Energy had revenues
of $19.8 billion in 2008.
PAGE 5
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy

CASENERGY COALITION

The CASEnergy Coalition (www.cleansafeenergy.

org), is a national grassroots coalition that promotes
the economic and environmental benefits of
nuclear energy as part of a green energy portfolio.
Made up of more than 2,100 members across the
business, environmental, academic, consumer, and
labor community, the coalition is led by former
Environmental Protection Agency administrator
Christine Todd Whitman and co-founder and former
leader of Greenpeace, Dr. Patrick Moore.

GOV. CHRISTINE TODD DR. PATRICK MOORE,

Jobs at nuclear power plants pay substantially more WHITMAN, CO-CHAIR, CO-CHAIR, CASENERGY
than average salaries in areas where the plants are CASENERGY COALITION COALITION
located. For example, the following are median annual
salaries for select positions:
• Senior Reactor Operator: $85,426
• Reactor Operator: $77,782
• Electrical Technician: $67,517
• Mechanical Technician: $66,581

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median

annual salary for nuclear engineers is $82,900 –
approximately $8,000 more than all other engineering
disciplines except petroleum engineering.

PAGE 6
WOMAN ENGINEER
The Career Magazine for Entry-Level and Professional Women

WINTER 2008/2009

SQUEEZING ENERGY OUT OF SUNLIGHT, WIND, & ROCK

Women Engineers In The
Utility Sector Light Our Lights
By Katie McKy

Some work with the

sun, converting light
into electricity. Others
plumb the earth for
fossil fuels. Still
others use fission
to squeeze energy
from rock. Women
Engineers look every SHAWNTA (HORTON) SIVELLS, CASENERGY MEMBER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, DOMINION ENERGY
which way for energy,
extracting it from

space, the earth,
and even the breeze.
Their ingenuity keeps
our homes lighted,
our cars rolling,
and our factories
humming. Meet a few
of these resourceful
women, who find
natural resources
everywhere.
H
orton was nudged into engi-
neering when she was just an
eighth grader. She recalls, “In
middle school, I was recruited to be in
a program that promoted math and
sciences. Teachers took children with
good grades and put us there. In eighth
grade, a recruiter from Fort Valley State
University contacted me. It had a pro-
gram that was a mathematics, science,
and engineering academy in Georgia.
I got recruited for that program. We
went down to the university and they
introduced us to different kinds of
engineering and every summer after
that, I was part of that program because
I knew that that’s what I wanted to do.
I thought electrical engineering was
neat. They had us making phones and
doing all kinds of things that electrical
engineers do.”
Today, Horton is an electrical engineer
in engineering systems for Dominion
Energy www.cleansafeenergy.org at
the Kewaunee Nuclear Power south of
Green Bay, WI, but back when she was in
eighth grade, going away stretched her
in an unexpected way. She says, “I was
extremely shy and it helped develop me,
being in a place without your mom and
dad.”
But that stretching didn’t end. She
earned a bachelor’s of science degree
in electrical engineering at the Univer-

PAGE 1
WOMAN ENGINEER
The Career Magazine for Entry-Level and Professional Women
WINTER 2008/2009
SQUEEZING ENERGY OUT OF SUNLIGHT, WIND, & ROCK
Women Engineers In The Utility Sector Light Our Lights
sity of Nevada Las Vegas and was
stretched every which way. Horton
remembers, “Engineering is tough.
The entire time I was in school, I
was shocked by how hard it was.
It’s not like high school, where, if
you’re smart, you don’t need to
put a whole lot of effort into it.
You need a lot of perseverance. I
persevered because I knew I wanted
to be an engineer. No matter how
hard it is, stick with what you want
to do. If you have enough drive and
passion, you will finish it.”
Even today, challenges remain. “I’m
a female and I’m a female of color,
so people might be standoffish at
first, but when you get a chance
to speak, people will respect you,”
she declares. “I’m acknowledged
now, even though I’m often the
only female in the room. There’s
also an age difference. However, I
worked for my degree and it’s what
I always wanted to do. If I can make
it through my degree, everything
else is easy.”
And that age difference means
positions for aspiring engineers.
Horton says, “In the past, the
nuclear industry didn’t recruit
people straight out of college. You
didn’t meet a nuclear recruiter at
a college career fair. Most of the
seasoned nuclear work pool came
from the military. Almost everyone
I’ve talked to finished at least four
years in the military before going
to the nuclear field. So to a certain
extent, nuclear is new to my gen-
eration. Before there was no room
for new hires, but now it’s needed.
With nearly 40% of the tenured
“With nearly 40% of
the tenured workforce
retiring soon, a new wave
of employees needs to be
developed. Universities
are starting to rebuild/
build their nuclear
colleges and nuclear
employers are connecting
with university students…
People will always need
energy. The good thing
about this sector is that
it’s always growing.”
workforce retiring soon, a new wave
of employees needs to be devel-
oped. Universities are starting to
rebuild/build their nuclear colleges
and nuclear employers are con-
necting with university students.
Dominion is a prime example. We’ve
partnered with North Carolina AT&T
State University to peak students’
interest in the company and the
nuclear industry. I have a younger
brother graduating from that
school this December and now he
also wants to work in nuclear.”
And there’s more good news. Do-
minion embraces the new engineers.
“I felt really welcomed coming in,”
she recalls. “The company gives you
all the tools you need to succeed
and excel. It’s not just worried about
you sitting there and doing your
work. Dominion is concerned about
you as a person and I’ve experienced
that from the top down, from corpo-
rate to where I work.”
Dominion Nuclear employs about
4,000 people and has four nuclear
power plants, whereas there are
17,000 employees in the greater
company. And Horton’s job is safe-
ty. “I work on two of the systems
that protect the reactor and protect
the people and our environment,”
she explains.
Another thing that she likes about
her job is its security. “People will
always need energy. The good
thing about this sector is that it’s
always growing,” she notes.
Horton also likes the importance of
her work. “I feel good knowing that
I’m doing something that people
need. It’s not a selfish endeavor,”
she remarks.
In the end, Horton reiterates
how much nuclear needs women
engineers: “A lot of the people are
retiring. You’re needed here. It’s
not promoted enough how much
you’re needed and you can’t know
what you don’t know, but we need
you here in nuclear.”
And Horton believes that the United
States needs nuclear energy.
She is a member of The Clean and
Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy
Coalition), which is a large grass-
roots coalition that unites unlikely
allies across the business, environ-
mental, academic, consumer, and
labor community to support nuclear
energy.
PAGE 2
HISPANIC CAREER WORLD
S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 0
“Lighting our Way”
By Katie McKy
J
uan “Jonny” Abendaño, an
Electrical I&C Engineer for
AREVA in Charlotte, says,
“We are building the first US nuclear
power plant in over 30 years.”
AREVA has the muscle to erect that
plant, with over 50,000 employees
at hundreds of sites in over a
hundred countries, but AREVA isn’t
a one-trick phoenix. It has a has a
renewable arm that’s as muscular
as one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s,
with wind energy, bioenergy, solar
power and hydrogen power. And
AREVA takes old, familiar energy
forms, such as the burning of wood,
which is a kind of bioenergy, and
upgrades them with new plant
matter that isn’t just green in color.
For example, burning various plant
matters can release 75% less CO2
than burning gasoline.
The vast wingspan of AREVA lets
Abendaño soar. “AREVA gives me
vast opportunities. I get to move to
different countries. There are just
so many challenging experiences
within this company.”
Abendaño is currently an
Instrumentation and Control
Engineer who’s upgrading
“In a company with AREVA’s breadth and depth, he could work
anywhere along the nuclear train, as AREVA mines uranium, enriches
it, designs and constructs reactors, maintains those reactors, and
recycles and transports spent fuel.”
“AREVA gives me
vast opportunities.
I get to move to
different countries.
There are just so
many challenging
experiences within
this company.”
systems. “I upgrade analog to
digital equipment and design and
implement I&C modifications.” JUAN “JONNY” ABENDAÑO,
CASENERGY MEMBER
But in a company with AREVA’s ELECTRICAL ENGINEER,
breadth and depth, he could work AREVA
anywhere along the nuclear train,
as AREVA mines uranium, enriches
the CASEnergy Coalition supports
it, designs and constructs reactors,
AREVA, AREVA supports Abendaño.
maintains those reactors, and
recycles and transports spent fuel.
If it’s nuclear, AREVA is there. “Even though it’s a large company,
they treat their employees as family.”
And AREVA is a member of an
even larger organization, the But at AREVA, Abendaño has learned
Clean and Safe Energy Coalition much more than the stages of nuclear
(CASEnergy Coalition), which is energy production. He has learned
a large, grassroots coalition that that learning never ends at AREVA
unites unlikely allies across the and in the nuclear sector. “Learn not
business, environmental, academic, only your studies, but how to lead
consumer and labor community to and work with others. Get ready for a
support nuclear energy. And as never-ending life of learning.
MINORITY ENGINEER
The Career Magazine for Entry-Level and Professional Engineers
FA L L 2 0 0 9

NUCLEAR ENERGY JOBS:

Opportunity And Top Salaries

“It is important “With unemployment rates among
the minority community higher
to talk about than the overall national average,
which itself is staggering,” states
the great Deborah Nelson, of the Clean and
opportunities Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy),
a national grassroots coalition
for members of that promotes the economic and
Jobs at nuclear power plants pay
substantially more than average
salaries in areas where the plants
are located. For example, these are
median annual salaries for select
positions:
• Senior Reactor Operator:

minority groups environmental benefits of nuclear $85,426

power as part of a responsible
in the energy energy policy.
sector, especially “It is important to talk about the
in nuclear… great opportunities for members
of minority groups in the energy
These jobs are sector, especially in nuclear,” says
• Reactor Operator: $77,782
• Electrical Technician: $67,517
• Mechanical Technician: $66,581
Thirty-five percent of the current
nuclear industry workforce may
be eligible to retire within five

permanent and Nelson. “These jobs are permanent
and well-paying, with training
well-paying, with programs that are both time- and
cost- competitive.”
training programs
that are both For some jobs in nuclear, she notes,
such as technician, operator, or
time-and cost- engineer, additional training can
years. Between now and 2012, the
industry will provide opportunities
for approximately 19,600 workers
to replace retirees and 6,300 to
account for other attrition.
For more information, please
visit the following website: www.

competitive.” take as little as two years, and the cleansafeenergy.org.

– CASENERGY COALITION
average annual starting salaries
are close to $65,000-$80,000.
Nuclear engineers, according to the
U.S. Department of Labor, earn on
average $8,000 more than all other
engineering disciplines, except
petroleum engineers.
AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN
J U LY 9 , 2 0 1 0
Jump-start job creation by
focusing on how we produce,
use and conserve energy
By Christine Todd Whitman and Rep. Juan C. Zapata
T
his week, the nation’s
leading Latino and other
community leaders are
meeting in San Antonio for the
National Council of La Raza’s
annual conference. The conference
will provide special focus
needed on economic challenges,
especially those affecting Latino
communities. The national
unemployment rate among Latinos
is 12.4 percent, higher than the
national average of just under 10
percent.
One of the opportunities we have
to kick-start job creation is by
focusing on how we produce, use
and conserve energy. America’s
electricity demand is poised to
rise 23 percent by 2030 and the
need in Texas will be double that at
48 percent. Meeting that demand
responsibly is going to require an
investment in a diverse range of
clean energy sources.
Of the clean energy technology
options available now, none is
better-suited than nuclear energy
at supplying large amounts of
electricity that does not pollute
the air, together with creating
thousands of badly needed jobs.
That’s particularly the case
in Texas, where two proposed
reactors at NRG Energy’s South
Texas Project in Matagorda County
will put some 6,000 people to work
building those power plants.
Nuclear energy facilities act
as economic hubs in local
communities by luring new
businesses and increasing a tax
base that provides good schools,
libraries and other critical
infrastructure. NRG estimates the
two new reactors at South Texas
Project will generate more than
$15 billion in follow-on business
activity, along with $600 million in
REP. JUAN C. ZAPATA,
local and state tax revenues.
CASENERGY MEMBER
And because nuclear energy is
emissions-free when producing
power, each additional plant
prevents carbon emissions from
fossil fuel plants that would
otherwise fill the air. Texas’s four
reactors prevented 29 million
metric tons of carbon dioxide
from entering the atmosphere last
year - the equivalent or removing
nearly 1 million passenger vehicles
from the road. That’s a significant
environmental benefit given
that four Texas cities fall below
Environmental Protection Agency
standards for air quality and Austin GOV. CHRISTINE TODD
teeters on the brink of falling below WHITMAN, CO-CHAIR,
those standards. CASENERGY COALITION
PAGE 1
AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN
J U LY 9 , 2 0 1 0
Jump-start job creation by focusing on how we
produce, use and conserve energy
Nuclear energy’s economic and
environmental benefits have
helped the Clean and Safe Energy
(CASEnergy) Coalition, a group
to which Rep. Zapata belongs
and which I co-chair along with
Greenpeace co-founder Patrick
Moore, form a broad-based
coalition of more than 2,400
members who support the
industry’s expansion. That support
is especially strong here in Texas,
where CASEnergy members include
local Latino leaders such as State
Senator Leticia Van de Putte and
Ramiro Cavazos, president and
CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce.
Support is growing in Texas and
across the country. A recent
Gallup polled showed that 62
percent of Americans – an all-time
high - favor the use of nuclear
energy to produce electricity.
This favorability is due, in part,
to the industry’s excellent safety
record in recent years. South Texas
Project, for example, recently
logged its 10 millionth labor hour
without a significant worker injury
or accident. This commitment
to worker safety also extends to
safe operation of the plant, which
generated 22.4 million megawatt-
hours of electricity in 2009—
enough to power 2 million homes
and more than any other dual-
reactor power plant in the country.
President Obama has recognized
the importance of nuclear power
to the nation’s energy portfolio.
In May, he asked Congress to
approve $9 billion in additional
loan guarantee authority so that
proposed new reactors such as the
two at South Texas Project could
move forward quickly and put
Americans back to work.
“New nuclear power
plants have the potential
to create as many as
70,000 jobs in the
coming years, and we
need to act now to
ensure our workers are
adequately trained to
take those jobs.”
Consideration of nuclear energy
in Congress has drawn bipartisan
support in part because of
the tremendous job creation
potential of reinstating America
as a leader in this industry. As
President Obama said in April:
“Make no mistake: whether it is
nuclear energy, or solar or wind
energy, if we fail to invest in
these technologies today, we’ll be
importing them tomorrow.” We
should be taking a leadership role
and creating jobs, not moving more
American jobs offshore.
Of course, nuclear energy alone
can’t meet all of our electricity
needs. As Texas has discovered
as the nation’s leader in wind
power, America will have to
develop a full suite of clean energy
sources, including wind, solar and
geothermal. Natural gas must
continue to be a bridge fuel to this
cleaner energy portfolio. We must
conserve more energy as well.
CASEnergy members here in Texas
and elsewhere are meeting with
other stakeholders to find common
ground on our energy future.
Our coalition recently joined with
leaders from the manufacturing,
economic development and wind
energy sectors to release a “Policy
Roadmap for Clean Energy,” which
makes the case for a diverse U.S.
clean energy portfolio that places a
premium on job creation.
One area on which we are keenly
focused is investment in workforce
training. New nuclear power plants
have the potential to create as
many as 70,000 jobs in the coming
years, and we need to act now to
ensure our workers are adequately
trained to take those jobs.
Nothing lifts a community like
good-paying, stable jobs and
industries. Today, Texas has the
opportunity to strengthen its
communities, meet its growing
electricity demand, and improve its
air quality. Nuclear energy is poised
to help deliver on these goals.
Whitman is a former administrator
of the EPA and governor of New
Jersey and co-chair of the Clean and
Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy),
a national grassroots coalition
that promotes the economic and
environmental benefits of nuclear
energy as part of a green-energy
economy. Zapata, a Florida state
representative, serves as chairman
of the NALEO Education Fund
and Board of Hispanic Caucus
Chairs (BHCC) and is a member of
CASEnergy. To read more about the
“Policy Roadmap for Clean Energy,”
visit www.cleansafeenergy.org.
PAGE 2
DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS
APRIL 12, 2008

Artículo por opinión /Article of Opinion

This piece was translated into Spanish for publication.

By Christine Todd Whitman

F
lorida is home to some
of the most beautiful
environmental features in
this country, boasting more than
1,300 miles of coastline, refuges
for endangered species, and the
cleanest air among our nation’s
major cities.
This month, Miami topped the
Forbes.com list of America’s
Cleanest Cities, rankings based on
air and water quality, among other
factors. Four of the top 10 cleanest
cities are in Florida, including
Orlando just behind Miami at the
number four spot.
Clearly, Florida is doing something
right!
GOV. CHRISTINE TODD
WHITMAN, CO-CHAIR,
CASENERGY COALITION
production by 2030 than we have
today. That’s because our homes
are 50 percent larger and our
electricity use is 30 percent greater
than the generation before us.
Energy conservation and efficiency
are important, but we must use
technological innovation to help
meet our fast-growing energy
demands. Along with strides in
making renewable energy sources
more competitive, advanced
nuclear power plants are one of
the best ways to combat climate
change while ensuring the efficient
and reliable electricity we need.
As a Florida homeowner and
environmentalist, I am quite
pleased to hear about the recent
approval of Florida Power & Light’s
application to build two new
reactors at its Turkey Point facility,
a generating station within sight of
our house. Emission-free nuclear

As part of its environmental

stewardship, Florida has made
global climate change a priority.
Fortunately, the same steps that
the state and its business leaders
have taken to maintain a high
standard of air quality will also help
in the Sunshine State’s effort to
reduce greenhouse gases.

This is particularly true when

considering Florida’s energy needs
through the lens of air quality and
climate change. Nationally, we will
need 25 percent more electricity

PAGE 1
DIARIO LAS AMÉRICAS
APRIL 12, 2008
Artículo por opinión /Article of Opinion
“In fact, if power provides the large scale power that
a growing state like Florida needs, without
electricity producing any of the greenhouse gases. In
produced at fact, if electricity produced at the state’s five
nuclear plants were generated instead using
the state’s five
a mix of fossil fuels, Florida’s emissions
nuclear plants would increase by 22 million tons of carbon
dioxide each year.
were generated
instead using Florida is one of the fastest-growing states
a mix of fossil in the nation, attracting nearly 1,000 new
residents daily in addition to its 85 million
fuels, Florida’s visitors each year. Florida’s growing
emissions would population means that the state needs to
increase its energy production in a manner
increase by 22
that protects the environment, yet is
million tons of affordable for consumers.
carbon dioxide
Both FPL and Progress Energy are taking
each year.” responsible steps to meet the growing
energy needs of Floridians in a way that
enhances the state’s environment. We need
to take action on global warming, but we
need to be smart about how we do it, using
a combination of conservation, renewable
energy sources, and new baseload power.
Recent action by the Florida Public Service
Commission to approve FPL’s Turkey Point
expansion is an example of how business,
government and consumers can work
together on a high-tech solution that
produces vast amounts of electricity but
doesn’t impact our air quality.
We are just now beginning to face our
energy and environmental challenges. While
Florida enjoys a great top-10 showing in
Forbes’ list of America’s Cleanest Cities,
the state also ranked third among states
that emitted the most carbon dioxide in
2007. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide
contribute to global warming.
Florida’s five reactors produce 14 percent of
Florida’s electricity, and the four reactors
planned for Turkey Point and in Levy County
will be a vital foundation in a portfolio
of clean energy sources that meet both
Florida’s future electricity needs and its
environmental goals.
The next few years will be critical for
determining our energy and environmental
future. We must make important investment
decisions on new energy production
and policy on reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. There is a growing consensus
that nuclear energy must play a key role in
meeting both of these objectives for Florida
and for our nation.
Christine Todd Whitman
Former NJ Governor and EPA Administrator
CASEnergy Coalition Co-Chair
President, The Whitman Strategy Group
The CASEnergy Coalition is an advocacy
group dedicated to bringing together
consumers, conservationists, academics,
health care advocates, labor organizations,
environmentalists, and community leaders
who believe greater use of nuclear energy is
critical to a U.S. energy policy that will meet
our nation’s needs today and in the future.
www.cleansafeenergy.org.
PAGE 2