Energy Chief Foresees Nuclear Power Plant

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said Tuesday the first new nuclear power plant in more than two decades could be completed by 2014 under administration proposals to reduce construction risks and speed licensing.

Bodman said the Energy Department will ask Congress to establish a $3 billion insurance pool to help investors cover interest, operating, maintenance and newly acquired construction costs stemming from regulatory delays. Premiums would be waived for utilities that place firm orders before 2009 for new power plants.
Anchorage Daily News