WASHINGTON, DC — The Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO today released the following statement from Executive Vice President Patrick Dillon in support of Governor Whitmer’s efforts to restore operations at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant.
“When Palisades shut down, Michigan lost 800 megawatts of carbon-free power on the grid and 600 jobs. Without Palisades, it’s more difficult to meet the state’s climate goals and reliably provide energy to homes and businesses. Additionally, the closure leaves a gaping hole in the economy of communities surrounding the facility.
“We are grateful to Governor Whitmer for her recent action in support of repowering and reopening the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant. We recognize the reality of the situation and the significant hurdles we face in bringing Palisades back onto the grid. However, her outreach to the Department of Energy leaves no stone unturned as we consider the best mix of sources that will power a strong energy future for Michigan.
“Regardless of the ultimate future of the Palisades Plant, we encourage policymakers to work to incorporate smaller, more advanced nuclear power into the state’s energy generation mix. In addition to the economic value and good jobs these plants would provide, keeping pace with the Paris Climate Agreement and our climate obligations are nearly impossible without incorporating zero-emission nuclear power.”
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Chartered in 1945, the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA), AFL-CIO represents 45,000 active members employed in America’s utility sectors including the electric, gas, water, and related professional and service industries. James Slevin is UWUA’s National President. For more information visit https://uwua.net.