Friday, December 1, 2023
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
The Chronicle News
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Chronicle News
No Result
View All Result
Home News

Lawmakers consider starting nuclear energy program in Oklahoma

The Chronicle News by The Chronicle News
October 7, 2023
in News
0
Lawmakers consider starting nuclear energy program in Oklahoma
2
SHARES
13
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

 

Advocates urged state lawmakers to consider bringing nuclear energy technology to Oklahoma as the federal government has set aside billions in an effort to incentivize expansion efforts nationwide.

Local energy experts though warned embracing nuclear energy technology would increase utility rates. They also raised questions about safety.

Oklahoma relies on wind, natural gas and coal plants to generate electricity, but coal plants are nearing their lifespan even as power demand grows, said Ken McQueen, Oklahoma secretary of energy, during an Senate interim study Wednesday. Legislators often use such studies to help draft legislation.

McQueen said that the energy source “is an option we need to consider as we move forward,” but that he has concerns about nuclear waste disposal.

“Obviously the biggest challenge is what do you do with the waste?” he said.

The study comes as some state leaders weigh the pros and cons of implementing nuclear technology.

Billions of dollars have been set aside for nuclear energy projects in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure bill as a push by the Biden Administration to increase clean energy in the U.S.  Industry leaders said advances in technology, many still in development, have made nuclear power safer and more affordable. Oklahoma has no nuclear power plants.

Marc Nichol, of the Nuclear Energy Institute, which represents nuclear power owners, said nuclear power provides “price stability” in the long run.

“They are high, upfront capital costs, but very low fuel costs,” he said. “Long-term price stability is important to protect ratepayers from that volatility.”

Advocates also dismissed safety concerns, saying nuclear waste has been safely stored in steel and concrete containers for over 50 years and plant safety continues to improve.

“I think the nuclear power waste problem is over-exaggerated,” said Dr. Steven Biegalski, chair of Nuclear and Radiological Engineering and Medical Physics Program at Georgia Institute of Technology.

Bieglaski said the most recent data last year shows 77% of Americans support nuclear power.

“Oklahoma should consider these new developments when they take into account in moving forward with additions to the power grid,” he said.

But Kelly Riley, director of resource planning for Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E), said the company views the cost of new nuclear technology “to be relatively high compared to other options.”

“Those costs will eventually be borne by our customers,” she said. “Those include the costs of construction, including development costs and ongoing operational costs, which include maintenance and fuel,” she said.

Riley said costs may decline as research and development improve for the technology, but OG&E would want to see a “safe and robust demonstration” of it before it considers it.

Brian Sherrick, of American Electric Power, the parent company of PSO, said the industry will need a supply chain, a trained workforce, and financial incentives.

Rep. Brad Boles, R-Marlow, who requested the study, said he’s concerned utility rates will increase.

“We’re one of the lowest energy cost states in the country and we want to stay that way,” Boles said after the study.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter.

You might also like

23-year-old Lawton man to serve life for 2021 murder

Cameron University names interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma will host a Winter Carnival and Sign-Up Event

Previous Post

Lawton police investigate fatal shooting

Next Post

SEC commissioner Sankey takes in his 1st Texas-Oklahoma game year before the schools join his league

The Chronicle News

The Chronicle News

Related Posts

23-year-old Lawton man to serve life for 2021 murder
Lawton

23-year-old Lawton man to serve life for 2021 murder

by The Chronicle News
December 1, 2023
Cameron University names interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
News

Cameron University names interim Vice President for Academic Affairs

by The Chronicle News
November 30, 2023
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband
Lawton

Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma will host a Winter Carnival and Sign-Up Event

by The Chronicle News
November 30, 2023
Pepper spray trumps plate of waffles in Thanksgiving day domestic in Duncan
News

Waffle attack ends with Duncan man in jail

by The Chronicle News
November 30, 2023
Police: Door ding and knife threats land Carnegie man in jail
News

Police: Door ding and knife threats land Carnegie man in jail

by The Chronicle News
November 30, 2023
Next Post
Cache woman found not guilty of killing husband

SEC commissioner Sankey takes in his 1st Texas-Oklahoma game year before the schools join his league

Must See

Popular News This Week

  • ATV wreck hospitalizes Lawton woman

    ATV wreck hospitalizes Lawton woman

    7 shares
    Share 3 Tweet 2
  • Think twice before amending a tax return

    5 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 1
  • Warrant issued for Pennsylvania man caught in online child predator sting

    37 shares
    Share 15 Tweet 9
  • Child porn plea gets Lawton man 10 years

    4 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 1
  • Fatal DUI wreck plea gets Lawton man 25 years to serve

    4 shares
    Share 2 Tweet 1

About

Welcome to The Chronicle. The Chronicle gives you the absolute best news sources that are happening in and around Comanche County! Our news are carefully curated and constantly updated to give you the best and most recent news as soon as they happen.

Categories

  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment

Site Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Latest News

  • 23-year-old Lawton man to serve life for 2021 murder December 1, 2023
  • Cameron University names interim Vice President for Academic Affairs November 30, 2023
  • Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma will host a Winter Carnival and Sign-Up Event November 30, 2023

© 2023 The Chronicle News

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Local News
  • Sports
  • Opinions
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

© 2023 The Chronicle News

What Are Cookies
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?