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Nuclear expert foresees powerful rebound

By Asjylyn Loder, Times Staff Writer
In print: Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Dale Klein, NRC chairman, says he thinks Florida’s four planned reactors will be built.
	[Associated Press (2007)]

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Growing up on a farm in Missouri, the only kind of engineers Dale Klein knew of were the kind who worked on trains. Today, he's arguably one of the most important and visible engineers in the country.

Klein, 60, spent most of the past two years as chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, presiding over the nascent "nuclear renaissance," the largest expansion of nuclear power in 30 years. The commission's job is to ensure the safety of the 104 operating reactors in the United States. It's also responsible for licensing more than 20 new nuclear projects planned nationwide, including Progress Energy's pending project in Levy County.

During a whirlwind visit to Florida that included a stop at a nuclear engineering conference in Orlando, Klein chatted with the Times on Monday about the commission's role and the future of nuclear power.

President George W. Bush has advocated loan guarantees and other policies that have paved the way for the nuclear renaissance. Gov. Charlie Crist has likewise pushed a nuclear-friendly agenda in Florida. But administrations change. Will the support for nuclear survive the political winds?

I think no matter who is elected in November, we'll be faced with an increased demand for electricity, and they will have to meet that demand. … What's more likely is that next year, something will be done on carbon, whether it's cap-and-trade or a carbon tax. … No matter who comes in, the cold, hard facts of increasing demand and limited options is going to result in nuclear power staying at the forefront.

You've mentioned in speeches the recent controversy over the role of Federal Aviation Administration in regulating airlines. What do you believe the role of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission should be in ensuring the safety of the U.S. nuclear industry?

Right now, I think there is an exuberance on nuclear, but we need to do it right. We need to do it safely. And we can. … I believe that the NRC cannot be a promoter or an opponent. We are a regulator. … Our job is to be a strong, independent regulator — but predictable.

You said you believe most of the more than 30 reactors now planned throughout the U.S. will be built, and that it might take longer than people realize. Florida has four reactors planned. Florida Power & Light plans to build two at its Turkey Point station near Miami, and Progress Energy plans to build two reactors in Levy County, just north of Crystal River. Do you think all four will be built?

Yes. … The state has been proactive in encouraging alternative energy to fossil fuels. Your demand is growing, people are still moving to Florida, and they like to run the air conditioning in the summer.

Asjylyn Loder can be reached at aloder@sptimes.com or

(813) 225-3117.