What Others Are DoingeHow You Can Help Nuclear Energy Means Green, Good Jobs (NAPSA)—Increasingly, the public perception of the nuclear energy industry is turning green—and manythink that isa good thing. In fact, because nuclear energy is the only available method of generating large-scale volumes of electricity without producing carbon emissions, many people are reconsidering the benefits of nuclear energy. That—along with a 30-year record of safely produced electricity—is getting many to see the industry in a newlight. Growth Means Good Jobs The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the demand for electricity will increase 50 percent over the next 20 years. According to industry estimates, we need to build between 1,300 and 1,900 new powerplants by 2020. New powerplants and reactors meansnew jobs for many communities—good-paying jobs—both during construction andlater during the operation of the plant. Safety And Energy Independence No one has ever been killed in a U.S. nuclear accident, a safety record unmatched by any other major energy source. Plus, unlike oil and compressed natural gas, nuclear energy is not dependent on producers in a volatile, unstable area of the world such as the Middle Eastor Africa. Energy independence has become an important tenet in building and reviving the U.S. economy. President Barack Obamahasplaced it at the center of any economic stimulus package. Providing An Example Several companies considered by manyto be industry leaders Experts say developing new nuclear reactors that are eco friendly will mean new jobs that will be part of a developing in- dustrial sector. are demonstrating what success as a “green company”lookslike. For instance, Entergy Nuclear, the owner of the nation’s secondlargest nuclear powerfleet, recognized the potential of nuclear power as a source that does not emit any greenhouse gases, air pollutants or precursors of acid rain, and pursued a strategy to grow nuclearassets. In 2007, nuclear energy accounted for 73.6 percent of America’s carbon emission-free generation. The other sources are hydro— 22 percent—and solar, wind and geothermalat 4.4 percent. The company has also demonstrated its desire to be a good corporate neighbor in the communities where its plants are located by partnering with various community groups and supporting green programs through a robust grants initiative. As the new Congress and president push to create jobs as well as a clean-energy agenda, perhaps they will begin to hear the growing support for an industry that promises to deliver both. To learn more, visit www. entergy-nuclear.com.
