We Like This Guy…

July 1st, 2010 MacAoidh

George LeMieux (R-FL), the Charlie Crist-appointed Senator from Florida who’s holding a place for either Crist or Marco Rubio, isn’t a particularly big name on Capitol Hill. But that doesn’t mean he can’t give a compelling speech.

This one was pretty good.

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Louisiana knows energy. From offshore oil rigs in the Gulf of America to the refineries along the Mississippi River, we have been fueling America for generations. Energy is not just what we do, it is who we are. Nationwide, Louisiana ranks third in natural gas production with approximately 10% of the total marketed. In natural gas reserves, Louisiana has 6% of the nation’s total, ranking 7^th among the states. With 15 crude oil refineries, Louisiana processes 17% of the nation’s refining capacity, which is approximately 3 million barrels of crude oil per day. Louisiana is even more essential in Liquified Natural Gas exports, accounting for 61% of the nation’s total and ranking #1 in the world. Along with the crucial role Louisiana plays in the oil and gas industry, there is more good news to report in the state’s energy sector. This is important with demand rising and global threats mounting. Our nation cannot afford to become complacent. It is time to recognize the vital role of nuclear energy, a source that is clean, dependable, and ready to power the future. There are two nuclear reactors in the state, both operated by Entergy Louisiana. The Waterford 3 nuclear power station is in Killona, about twenty-five miles west of New Orleans, in St. Charles Parish. It has a 1250-megawatt reactor and commenced operation in September of 1985. Nine months later, in June 1986, the River Bend nuclear power station became operational. It is in St. Francisville, in West Feliciana Parish, about twenty-four miles west of Baton Rouge. Its maximum capacity is 967 megawatts. Together, the two nuclear power plants supply about 16% of Louisiana’s electricity needs and are the state’s largest carbon-free source of power. Nuclear power is dependable, working day and night, hurricane or heat wave, no matter what. Whether there is high demand or inclement weather, nuclear power delivers. The state’s two nuclear plants power 827,000 homes and provide 1,600 highly paid jobs that support Louisiana families. The overall impact is over $250 million in local and state tax revenue. This means both energy and economic security for Louisiana communities. Unfortunately, for many years, leftists have promoted a radical green agenda which has gained influence among the media, academia, and corporate America, as well as in our nation’s capital. These activists have put nuclear power at risk. Aging infrastructure, rising costs, and government red tape are forcing plants around the country to shut down. Once a nuclear plant closes, it never comes back in operation. Thankfully, House Republicans stood tall for the American energy sector by passing President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” This legislation protects the Nuclear Production Tax Credit (PTC), a critical tool that keeps our nuclear plants online and ensures these power stations are treated fairly in the energy market. Unlike wasteful subsidies that pay huge sums no matter the result, the PTC only rewards real energy production. If there is no power, there is no payout. It is common sense, and it levels the playing field. The United States cannot allow foreign nations, especially an adversary like China, to take the lead in the global energy race. In China, ten nuclear power plants have been approved annually for the last three years. At the end of 2024, China had 57 nuclear power plants in operation, ranking third globally in “installed nuclear capacity;” however, it is forecast to “claim the top spot” by 2030. China is busy building reactors, growing their influence, and locking in their energy dominance. Meanwhile, here in the United States, our country faces continual risks of nuclear power plants shutting down to appease climate activists who do not understand how the lights stay on. Fortunately, the people of Louisiana do understand energy needs and the importance of nuclear power. Our citizens know what it takes to keep the power flowing. From engineers in St. Francisville to technicians in St. Charles Parish, nuclear energy means real jobs, real families, and real prosperity. It is also important to remember that when the devastating Hurricane Ida slammed into Louisiana in 2021, it was nuclear power that kept the electrical grid from collapsing. The climate activists have preferred “green” energy sources, such as wind and solar. These sources receive tax credits, so why shouldn't nuclear power? In fact, every climate activist should embrace nuclear power because it is the world’s cleanest energy source. Yet, the climate mob is opposed to nuclear power because it is not “renewable.” Renewable or not, our federal government should not be rigging the deck against any energy sources, especially ones such as nuclear power that is both clean and consistent. The real challenge for nuclear power is that it is not popular with leftists who wield undue influence on Capitol Hill. These activists have politicized our nation’s energy policy, but in the Trump administration, change is coming. It is time our energy policies are based on one major criteria, what works. Louisiana’s U.S. Senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, have been steady allies in this fight. They know Louisiana’s energy edge is our ticket to growth, investment, and long-term success. As citizens, we need to keep Louisiana’s Senators and their colleagues standing strong, so this bill can be pushed across the congressional finish line and President Trump can sign it into law. Louisiana is attracting billions of dollars in new investments, such as Hyundai’s low-carbon steel plant and Woodside Energy’s massive LNG expansion. These companies are betting on Louisiana because of our energy strengths. If we let nuclear power falter, we risk losing that advantage. If Louisiana is going to be strong, competitive, and secure, nuclear power must be protected. We must embrace an all-of-the-above energy future, which includes preserving the PTC and backing Trump’s “America First” energy agenda. Let us not let the “D.C. Swamp” sabotage our success. Nuclear power is more than just a smart policy; it is Louisiana’s future. We must stand up for it. Jeff Crouere is a native New Orleanian and his award-winning program, “Ringside Politics,” airs Saturdays from Noon until 1 p.m. CT nationally on Real America's Voice TV Network & AmericasVoice.News and weekdays from 7-9 a.m. & 6-7 p.m. CT on WGSO 990-AM & Wgso.com. He is a political columnist, the author of America's Last Chance and provides regular commentaries on the Jeff Crouere YouTube channel and on Crouere.net. For more information, email him at jcrouere@gmail.com

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