Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici today praised DOE’s decision to release FY ‘04 funds from the Nuclear Power 2010 program to assist two nuclear power consortia with the cost of obtaining a construction and operating license (COL) for new power plants. Chairman Domenici’s statement: “These COL funds are critical to jump-starting nuclear energy in America. I am pleased that DOE has made funds we appropriated last year available to the consortia and has agreed to share these costs through 2011. “As Energy & Water Appropriations Chairman, I will ensure enough funding in those out-years to successfully launch these projects. I would like to acknowledge Senator Craig’s contribution in eliciting this commitment from DOE and Kyle McSlarrow’s success in making our proposal a reality. “The commercial sector’s renewed interest in nuclear energy reflects a sea change in America’s electricity market. The steep and sustained costs of natural gas, heating oil and coal have, at last, ushered in a nuclear power renaissance in this country. I have fought for this renaissance and I will use all my influence to ensure its longevity for the sake of our environment and the consumer.”