Holland Reporter

On Friday, Representative Huizenga led a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues in a letter urging a timely and responsible review of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant repower project in Covert, Michigan. The letter, addressed to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chair Chris Hanson, highlighted the importance of restoring Palisades' 800 megawatts of baseload generation for Southwest Michigan.

In the letter, the lawmakers emphasized the potential economic and energy security benefits of repowering Palisades. They stated, "Repowering Palisades could significantly grow the region’s economy, strengthen our domestic energy security, and return safe, reliable, and carbon-free generation back to the electrical grid." The Members also called on the NRC to ensure the highest standards of safety throughout the repowering process.

The initiative to repower Palisades has already garnered support from local stakeholders, including a $150 million investment in Michigan's state budget and a power purchase agreement with Wolverine Power Cooperative. Now, the lawmakers are seeking formal federal-level support for the project.

Joining Representative Huizenga on the letter are U.S. Representatives Donald Norcross, Tim Walberg, Hillary Scholten, Jack Bergman, Haley Stevens, John Moolenaar, Elissa Slotkin, and Jeff Van Drew.

The Palisades Nuclear Power Plant has been offline since mid-2022 but remains in workable condition. Prior to its shutdown, the plant received the highest safety category from the NRC and was highly regarded within the industry. The letter highlighted the potential of Palisades to address the nation's growing energy needs and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs, including opportunities in STEM fields.

Holtec, the company leading the repower efforts, has filed an application for federal loan funding through the U.S. Department of Energy. The project has garnered support from various stakeholders, including local government entities, business groups, labor groups, and educational institutions. In September 2023, Holtec secured a long-term power purchase agreement with Wolverine Power Cooperative.

The lawmakers urged the Department of Energy to give fair, full, and swift consideration to Holtec's application, emphasizing that the repowering of Palisades is a critical step in addressing energy shortages, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting economic growth.

In conclusion, Representative Huizenga and a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues have called for a timely and responsible review of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant repower project. They highlighted the potential economic and energy security benefits of repowering Palisades and urged the NRC to ensure the highest safety standards. With support from local stakeholders and a power purchase agreement in place, the lawmakers are now seeking formal federal-level support for the project. The repowering of Palisades is viewed as a critical step in addressing energy shortages, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering economic growth in the region.

To find out more, go to this link: https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402756