The Florida Public Service Commission has approved the construction of two new nuclear power plants in Dade County. The commission voted unanimously, 5 to 0, to allow construction of Florida’s first new nuclear power plants since 1983.
The proposals, submitted by Florida Power & Light (FPL) and approved March 18, encountered minimal opposition from environmental activist groups and were strongly supported by Gov. Charlie Crist (R) as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Crist has taken the lead among governors seeking to impose greenhouse gas restrictions at the state level.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Nuclear Regulatory Commission must give their approval before the plants can be built. FPL anticipates the first plant will begin operating in 2018, with the two new plants providing power to one million people.
James M. Taylor ([email protected]) is a senior fellow of The Heartland Institute and managing editor of Environment & Climate News.
