ML101180459

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Comment (9) of Senator Phil Rockefeller, Washington State Adding His Voice to Those Strongly Supporting Relicensing of Columbia Generating Station as an Essential Asset in Washingtons Energy Resources
ML101180459
Person / Time
Site: Columbia Energy Northwest icon.png
Issue date: 04/19/2010
From: Rockefeller P
State of WA, Senate
To: Lesar M
Rulemaking, Directives, and Editing Branch
References
75FR11572 00009
Download: ML101180459 (1)


Text

Washington State Senate PO Box 40423 ITY: 1'-800-635-9993 Olympia, WA 98504-0423 Toll Free Hotline:

(360) 786-7644 Senator Phil Rockefeller 1-800-562-6000 E-mail: Rockefeller.Phil@leg.wa.gov 23rd Legislative District FAX: (360) 786-7450 April 19, 2010 Michael T. Lesar, Chief/$'97'/"

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Dear Mr. Lesar:

I want to add my voice to those strongly supporting relicensing of Columbia Generating Station (CGS) as an essential asset in Washington's energy resources. Since the nuclear plant received its original 40-year license in 1983, it has demonstrated its value as an important source of energy free of greenhouse gas emissions. I view Energy Northwest's planned request to renew the license for another 20 years as an essential step in extending upon that value, which is likely to grow as the demand for carbon-free power increases.

CGS provides some of the region's most cost-effective carbon-free power, making it essential to state, regional and national goals of reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.

The Bonneville Power Administration estimated that replacing CGS power with market purchases generated by fossil fuels would increase the carbon emissions of the Federal Columbia River Power' System by about 3.7 million metric tons a year. We must retain this power source not only to avoid such emissions, but also because of its vital contribution to a reliable, stable regional power system. In addition, the firm power from CGS also complements more variable, renewable hydroelectric power.

CGS is a valuable resource, and its importance will no doubt increase well into the future.

Energy Northwest's efforts to improve plant performance over the coming years will further support its relicensing application, which I strongly endorse. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Senator Phil Rockefeller Chairman Senate Committee on Environment, Water, & Energy 32 Committees: Environment, Water & Energy, Chair

  • Joint Committee on Energy Supply & Energy Conservation, Chair ° Ways & Means Joint Legislative Audit & Review Committee, Chair Cj Recycled