ANNAPOLIS – Bob Ehrlich today reiterated his long-standing support for a proposal to build a third nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs in Southern Maryland. He urged the federal government to finalize approval of a draft environmental impact statement and approve federal loan guarantees so that ground preparation work can begin on the new energy facility in the near future.
“The importance of expediting creation of more than 4,000 construction and 400 permanent jobs and generating clean, carbon-free energy for the nation cannot be overstated,” said Ehrlich.
“I’ve been proud to support this project for many years and urge the federal government to expedite approval of this application. I look forward to proactively advancing this project as governor without unnecessary delays. With 200,000 Marylanders unemployed and our energy supplies stressed, job creation in this industry and a move toward energy independence must be a central priority.”
"The citizens if Southern Maryland know of Governor Ehrlich's longstanding support for expanding generating capacity at Calvert Cliffs," said Maryland House Minority leader Tony O'Donnell. "In 2006, the Calvert County Delegation submitted HB 1183 to allow county government to put together a tax incentive package for job-creating projects like Calvert Cliffs III. This was a significant piece of legislation for bringing Calvert Cliffs III closer to reality and Governor Ehrlich signed the bill into law. His administration was supportive and helpful in every respect, and we are pleased that he will proactively support the citizens and leaders of Southern Maryland in our efforts to seek final approvals for Calvert Cliffs III."
An application for a combined construction and operating license was previously submitted for the new reactor facility and is pending before the federal government. The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission is currently reviewing the application, which includes a draft environmental impact statement to build the plant next to the existing Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Plant in Lusby. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy is considering the Calvert Cliffs 3 project for a federal loan guarantee that would be critical to financing this carbon-free energy project.
Background: The Calvert County Board of Commissioners estimates the new power plant would eventually generate $20 million in new annual revenue for the county, 4,000 construction jobs, and up to 400 permanent jobs in the community. The project application has strong bipartisan support in the local community.
3 comments:
What kind of protections will be in place against terrorist attack?
No one in Maryland can run as an Ind., have to file as unaffiliated. Look into the history of the wicomico county council.
Hey Anonymous 1:11!
There presently are 2 nuclear reactors at Calvert Cliffs (900 megawatt each). Bob Ehrlich is just backing an already proposed plan to build a third (1710 megawatt).
Sand Box John
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