[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 25, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H4548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ENERGY POLICY
(Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, Americans are looking for quick answers
on the present energy prices and burden that is put on families and
farmers. Nuclear power can help lead us in the right direction to
address this problem.
Nuclear power plants provide about one-fifth of America's
electricity, and about 30 percent of California's electricity. They
also run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are not affected by
inclement weather, such as solar and wind.
Besides being able to run efficiently, nuclear power has a strong
environmental record. For example, nuclear plants are free of numerous
gases such as sulfur dioxide, mercury, carbon emissions, and nitrogen
oxide.
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that nuclear power is the answer to at least
alleviating the current energy crisis. Nuclear power is shown to be a
reliable source, which is why the Congress must take the necessary
steps to use nuclear power to address the energy shortages, not just in
California, but, of course, the rising energy prices across the
country.
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