Nuclear Highlights:
Source: Congressional Research Service

• Its been three decades since an order was placed for a new nuclear power plant in the United States. Several utilities are now expressing interest in building a total of up to 30 new reactors. The renewed interest in nuclear power has resulted primarily from higher prices for natural gas, improved operation of existing reactors, and uncertainty about future restrictions on coal emissions.
• Currently, there are 103 licensed and operable power reactors at 65 plant sites in 31 states, generating about 20% of U.S. electricity.
• Licensed commercial reactors generated electricity at an average of 89.8% of their total capacity in 2006, after averaging about 75% in the mid-1990s and about 65% in the mid-1980s.
• Today, more than 15% of the world’s electricity comes from nuclear power, and more than 150 nuclear-powered naval vessels have been built.
• Nuclear power as a source of energy has gained the respect of leading scientists and governments. It’s time America started taking advantage of this source by increasing usage at current commercial reactors and building new ones.

Wind Highlights:
Sources: World Watch Institute & American Wind Energy Association

• During 2007 wind power experienced a record-breaking 5,244-megawatt increase for a total of 16,818 megawatts.
• For the first time, wind power accounts for more than 1 percent of overall U.S. electricity production.
• Wind power can now provide electricity for about 4.5 million American homes.
• Technologically and economically, researchers believe wind could account for 20 percent of U.S. electricity by 2030.
• Managed correctly, wind power as an energy source should continue to grow and could make a real contribution toward energy independence.

Solar Highlights:
Source: Solar Energy Industries Association

• Solar energy is the cleanest, most abundant renewable energy source available. It is relatively brand new on the energy scene. Solar energy is a double-digit growth resource, and because today it represents less than 1 percent of the U.S. energy mix, it has a long way to go.
• Managed correctly, solar power as an energy source should continue to grow and could make a notable contribution toward energy independence.

Summary:

Today we:

• have a record high $10.7 trillion national debt.
• have a record high national interest expense that is approaching $500 billion per annum.
• are in a recession.
• face higher unemployment.
• are energy dependent.
• pay other countries $750 billion per annum to buy oil.

Tomorrow we:

• need to create at least 7.5 million new jobs to help service the new record high interest expense.
• have to develop a pro-active, aggressive program to become less energy dependent.
• have to reduce the $750 billion we pay to other countries for oil, and we have to reinvest that money in America.

An energy independent America will stabilize the economy and be the catalyst for creating additional jobs that will help to service the interest expense of the national debt. A stabilized economy combined with an increased number of jobs will position the country to address security, medical care, education, infrastructure, and all the other important quality of life issues. Everyone wins! The good news is we don’t have to be confused with other choices. There are none. The alternative is a combination of economic malaise and mediocre living standards.

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