Community and Industry Support
If America is to achieve its 80 percent reduction goal in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, nuclear energy needs to be part of the solution. Unlike other energy sources, it provides carbon-free baseload power. Federal and state policies should encourage the continued and extended operation of existing plants.
Nuclear energy is also an engine for job creation and economic growth. Every year, the Constellation nuclear fleet hires an average of 600 people to fill stable, high-paying jobs. In general, nuclear plants employ more people per megawatt generated than any other type of power source.
Right now, nuclear plants generate 60% of America’s clean, zero-carbon energy. Given our environmental goals, the value of nuclear energy is on the rise.
The Community: A recent economic impact study commissioned by the Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council found that the new CCEC will create 3,400 direct and indirect jobs and add more than 800 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to the grid. The report, produced by The Brattle Group, also found that restarting the plant will add $16 billion to the state’s GDP and generate more than $3 billion in state and federal taxes.
Public support for the restart is strong in Pennsylvania. According to a recent statewide poll, conducted by Susquehanna Polling & Research, Pennsylvanians favor restarting the plant by more than 2-1 margin. The same independent poll found that 70 percent of state residents support the continued use of nuclear energy as a source of reliable, carbon-free energy.
Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors Chair Bart Shellenhamer: “This unit was a good neighbor to Londonderry Township and our surrounding region for 45 years, with a workforce dedicated to contributing to area nonprofits and supporting the local economy,” said Londonderry Township Board of Supervisors Chair Bart Shellenhamer. “The Crane Clean Energy Center will bring billions in new infrastructure investment and help support area businesses, schools and public services that improve quality of life for the whole region.”
Nuclear Energy Institute President and CEO Maria Korsnick: “The Crane Clean Energy Center is a fitting honor for a nuclear industry leader and will bring significant benefits to Pennsylvania and the nation,” said Maria Korsnick, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nuclear Energy Institute. “In addition to restoring jobs and clean, reliable energy to the state, the investment will help the country meet its climate and energy independence goals and serve as a catalyst for future investment and economic growth in the region.”
“This is a valuable opportunity to invest in clean, carbon-free and affordable power -- on the heels of the hottest year in Earth’s history,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Tom Mehaffie (106th District). “This will transform the local economy and presents a rare opportunity to power our economy with reliable clean energy that we can count on.”
“Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy industry plays a critical role in providing safe, reliable, carbon-free electricity that helps reduce emissions and grow Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Under the careful watch of state and federal authorities, the Crane Clean Energy Center will safely utilize existing infrastructure to sustain and expand nuclear power in the Commonwealth while creating thousands of energy jobs and strengthening Pennsylvania’s legacy as a national energy leader. My Administration will continue to work to cut energy costs and ensure the reliability of our energy grid so that Pennsylvanians can have access to affordable power made right here in Pennsylvania for years to come – and the Crane Clean Energy Center will help us achieve those goals.”
"The start of the Crane Clean Energy Center represents an important milestone for our nation, the region, and the people of the great state of Pennsylvania," said Dr. Michael Goff, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. "Always-on, carbon-free nuclear energy plays an important role in the fight against climate change and meeting the country's growing energy demands."
“I’m proud to see the launch of the Crane Clean Energy Center,” said U.S. Congressman Scott Perry. “This critical step forward will ensure Pennsylvania has sufficient baseload power to meet its needs for decades to come while producing 3,400 jobs in our community. Thank you to Constellation Energy for working to bring this economic driver back to South Central Pennsylvania.”
