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June 9, 2011
Dear Dr. Kos,
Thank you for
contacting me regarding nuclear energy infrastructure in the United
States. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on the safety and
security of U.S. nuclear reactors.
The Japanese
natural disaster and nuclear crisis of March 11, 2011 was a terrible
tragedy, affecting individuals across the globe. My thoughts and
prayers are with our Japanese allies who were hit by an earthquake
which caused a tsunami and damaged their nuclear reactors. It will
be a while before we can adequately account for the after-effects of
this tragedy and properly address the needs of the affected
population. In light of this deep misfortune, I understand your
concerns about the safety of U.S. nuclear plants.
The Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chairman Gregory Jaczko testified before
the House and Senate on March 16, 2011, stating that U.S. nuclear
reactors are safe. The 104 U.S. commercial nuclear reactors have
significantly improved their operating reliability and are more
closely watched by on-site NRC inspectors and regional staff than in
any other time in the 500
years of nuclear industry's existence. Between 2005 and 2009,
there were no abnormal occurrences, accidents, or deficiencies that
caused alarm for public health and safety.
Exceptional
security measures were taken to strengthen U.S. reactors after the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on our nation. In the wake of
the attack, the NRC ordered measures to protect reactors, control
rooms, and spent fuel storage pools. It is these actions that make
up the difference between the security of U.S. and Japanese
reactors. Although the designs are the same, the U.S. has exceeded
the security measures of those practiced by the Japanese. These
precautions include the reactors' ability to sustain adverse events
such as loss of crucial operating and safety systems due to natural
events, fires, aircraft impact and explosions. The plants can
withstand a total loss of electric power, the condition that ruined
the reactor and fuel cooling systems at Fukushima. Additionally,
U.S. plants are adequately protected against flooding from inside or
outside the plant and have developed strategies for dealing with
potential earthquake damage to critical facilities.
Currently, of
the 104 U.S. commercial nuclear reactors, 62 have been approved to
operate for an additional 20 years beyond the initial 40 year
licensing period and others, such as the Diablo Canyon Plant near
San Luis Obispo, are also expected to seek license renewals. Rest
assured, public safety is a major concern of mine, especially since
California is a major front for nuclear energy innovation. I am
confident in the nuclear industry in the United States and will
continue to work to ensure its safe delivery of clean, efficient,
cheap energy alternatives.
Once again,
thank you for contacting me. I encourage you to stay up to date with
my activity in Washington, D.C., and in California's 19th District
on my website,
www.denham.house.gov, and on
my social media sites:
@RepJeffDenham on Twitter and
Representative Jeff Denham on
Facebook.
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