Columbus Ohio Downtown River

Columbus, OH Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), the leading national consumer advocate on energy issues, today released a statement following U.S. Senator Rob Portman’s (R-OH) announcement this week on the U.S. Department of Energy’s intent to pursue a uranium enrichment demonstration program in Piketon, Ohio. CEA’s Midwest Executive Director, Chris Ventura said the following in regards to the announcement:

“We applaud the Department of Energy (DOE) as they pursue this program. It is great news for the people of Piketon. This award will be a shot in the arm not only at the former American Centrifuge Project site but for the region as a whole that helps us retain our nation’s edge in the development of advanced nuclear technology.”

The DOE is pursuing a three-year, $115 million program to demonstrate high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) production capability as early as 2020.  The award will fund the first-ever demonstration project in the U.S. to produce HALEU which is needed to power the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors, as well as for the development of more advanced fuels for the existing light water reactor fleet.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Media Contact:

Emily Haggstrom

P: 720-582-0242

ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org