Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to approve Early Site Permit for Exelon Generation Company’s Clinton site is a victory for Central Illinois as well as for clean, safe energy that will benefit all consumers.

      “This decision is a credit to Exelon, the NRC and the Department of Energy for advancing this promising technology in a responsible and efficient manner,” Rep. Johnson said. “This streamlined licensing process will allow Clinton to receive the first-ever Early Site Permit. Having been part of this process for several years, I can assure the people of Central Illinois that the technology, the business and financial decisions, the environmental factors and the safety issues have been  thoroughly analyzed to get to this stage. The promise of clean, dependable energy that fortifies our independence is at hand.”

      The Early Site Permit approval culminates a four-year, cost-shared project with DOE and the Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, aimed at demonstrating the new and previously untested licensing process for locating new nuclear plants in the United States.

      Exelon submitted their ESP application, which includes a Site Safety Analysis Report, an Environmental Report and an Emergency Plan, to the NRC in September, 2003. The NRC issued the Final Safety Evaluation Report in May 2006, the Final Environmental Impact Statement in July 2006, and the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board hearings concluded in November 2006.

      Exelon has not made a decision to build a new nuclear plant. However, the 20-year permit allows Exelon to “bank” a site for future use. The Clinton application represents the first NRC approval of a nuclear plant site in over 30 years. The ESP does not authorize construction and should Exelon decide to proceed, the company must still go through operating licensure procedures.

      Rep. Johnson said many factors will go into Exelon’s decision to proceed, including economic conditions, storage issues involving spent fuel rods and technological developments.

      “Exelon has assured me that Clinton, DeWitt County and all other relevant parties will be brought into the process in a responsible and timely manner,” Rep. Johnson said. “To date I’m pleased with the process and with the progress. This site not only has huge economic implications for my District but also is tangible evidence of the Administration’s Advanced Energy Initiative, which is intended to stimulate new, clean and safe methods of generating power in this country.”

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