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Protecting Clean Energy Jobs Here at Home |
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August 14, 2009 |
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Hard-working Tennesseans produce cutting edge, American-made clean energy for the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC), our country’s only domestic uranium enrichment facility. For months, I have worked to help secure a loan guarantee from the Department of Energy (DOE) for the American Centrifuge work. When I met with USEC and B&W Clinch River officials and toured the Oak Ridge facility, I affirmed my commitment to protect jobs and steer our nation towards the innovative technology being developed in Oak Ridge.
When DOE Secretary Steven Chu testified before the Energy and Water Subcommittee, I questioned him directly about the loan guarantee and advocated the benefits of this technology. I recently talked with Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman and urged him and the Department to move forward quickly with the loan guarantee. My staff and I have consistently communicated the urgent need for the loan guarantee to DOE officials at every level. We even included legislative language to further encourage DOE's consideration of the loan guarantee.
After DOE’s unfortunate decision was announced, I joined a large group of USEC employees to show my solidarity. Here's a link that includes my remarks and picture of the event. http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tn03_wamp/loanguaranteewouldprotectthousandsofjobsreduceemissions.html.
Our country is at a crossroads: we must choose to pursue an energy source created in our own backyard or continue to rely on foreign supplies. I am following this situation closely and will continue working to save these jobs.
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