Washington, D.C. – The Senate Energy Committee today approved the nuclear title of the comprehensive energy legislation being marked up by the committee this month. The title directs the construction of a nuclear-hydrogen cogeneration project at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) and offers loan guarantees for the construction of 8,400 Megawatts of nuclear power to provide clean, abundant and affordable energy with improved safety and less waste. Chairman Domenici considers increased use of nuclear power to be a critical component to ensuring a diverse, clean and affordable energy supply. Chairman Domenici’s statement: “My energy bill seeks to ensure America an abundant supply of clean, diverse and affordable energy. This week, we’ve approved titles to facilitate the production of hydrogen fuel and expand the production of wind, solar, geothermal and biomass energies as well as the clean production of oil, gas and coal at appropriate locations. “Nuclear energy is a critical component of the diverse energy supply this country needs. The scientific and political climate is prime for expanded use of nuclear power. In the current environment of soaring prices, unstable supply and the debate about climate change, nuclear energy will provide affordable, clean and reliable power with no airborne emissions. I consider it a cornerstone of our energy future.” ###