The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

March 27, 2009

Nuclear power added to W.Va. energy portfolio

By Mannix Porterfield

CHARLESTON — Nuclear power is back on the table, this time as part of Gov. Joe Manchin’s energy portfolio.

Before exiting the Senate Finance Committee, members made sure Friday the bill contained nuclear power and natural gas.

“Our purpose is to stay ahead and be proactive in what we do here in West Virginia,” Sen. Mike Green, D-Raleigh, said.

Green’s Energy, Industry and Mining Committee wrestled with nuclear power over a bill that would drop an “effective ban” in current state code.

Unable to agree, the full panel set up a subcommittee, which dumped the bill that would remove the requirement a plant needs a site for disposing of radioactive wastes.

Manchin told The Register-Herald this year during an editorial board interview he wanted to see the entire gamut of energy considered — solar, wind, water and even nuclear.

Green was pleased with the finance panel’s decision to revive nuclear power, and so was Sen. Brooks McCabe, D-Kanawha, who pushed the earlier legislation.

“I think it’s an alternative source of energy,” he said.

“I’ve talked to numerous people in the coal association and they have no problems with this. They understand the bigger picture. We’re all in this to try to position West Virginia to be a predominant producer, a major producer of energy.”

Even if nuclear plants eventually arrive — one estimate says not for fully a decade — McCabe said coal would remain king.

“We know coal is going to be primary and continue to be primary,” he said. “But we’ve got to kind of cover our flanks wherever it might be appropriate. I think it’s a nice addition.”

Not to be overlooked is the inclusion of natural gas, which Green saluted as a source with a lower emission of carbon dioxide.

Like McCabe, the Beckley resident emphasized coal remains the top energy source with a renewed emphasis on cleaner burning and different technologies associated with the fossil fuel.

Green has attended a national symposium on advanced clean coal technology for the past three years.

A plant in Tampa, Fla., is the cleanest coal-fired facility in the world, he noted.

“Unfortunately, most of that coal is barged in from Venezuela or down in the Caribbean,” he said.

“I believe the governor is doing a great thing in promoting renewable and alternatives if we truly want to be recognized as a leader in energy. This is the way the nation is going.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com

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