[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 24, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1677-E1678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING GE VALLECITOS NUCLEAR CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL BAKER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. Speaker, in an era in which energy 
resources are increasingly

[[Page E1678]]

critical to our society, it is good to know that dedicated scientists 
and researchers are working to make sure that safe, affordable, and 
environmentally friendly energy will be available for years to come. 
Many of these men and women live and work in the East Bay region of the 
San Francisco area, serving at one our national laboratories or General 
Electric's Vallecitos Nuclear Center.
  Forty years ago, the men and women of General Electric [GE] opened a 
new plant in Pleasanton, CA, a beautiful community in the heart of my 
congressional district. GE opened the facility to pioneer the 
commercial development of atomic energy. Through its Vallecitos boiling 
water reactor, GE has brought safe and efficient electric power to 
eleven nations. Later this year, GE will witness another proud moment 
when the Tokyo Power Co. advanced boiling water reactor--supplied by GE 
and its associates--becomes available for commercial use.
  The Vallecitos Nuclear Center [VNC] in Pleasanton is the hub of GE's 
nuclear energy research. As the site of the Nation's first privately 
financed nuclear generating facility, GE VNC has compiled an 
outstanding record of safety and service. Already a national historic 
site for its many contributions to the development of commercial 
nuclear power, the laboratories and test facilities of the VNC are 
helping GE stay on the leading edge of groundbreaking research.
  None of these achievements would be possible without the effort, 
expertise, and commitment of the men and women who comprise the GE 
family. Today it is my pleasure to urge my colleagues to join me in 
thanking the GE VNC organization, its management, staff, researchers, 
and all its workers, for their contributions to America's energy 
future. Innovation, leadership, and possibility are alive and well at 
GE VNC, and I applaud everyone at the VNC for their outstanding work 
for our country and our world.

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