Meghan Hughes (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), one of the strongest supporters of nuclear energy in the Senate, today made this statement on President Obama's announcement of $8 billion in loan guarantees for the construction of new nuclear power plants.

"This is a significant step forward in jump-starting what I hope will be a renaissance in nuclear energy. Nuclear energy has been and remains a safe, affordable, carbon-free, clean energy power source. And a renaissance in nuclear energy will create thousands of high-paying jobs.

"South Carolina is uniquely positioned to be one of the states which benefits the most from a renaissance in nuclear energy. Today, almost half of the electricity generated in our state comes from nuclear energy. Several companies have already made it clear they would like to construct at least four new nuclear reactors in South Carolina (we have seven already). As a state, we have the workforce and expertise to excel in this area.

"About 20 percent of our power in the United States comes from nuclear energy. In France, 80 percent of their power comes from nuclear energy. Surely we can be as bold as the French.

"Today's announcement is a good first step. I hope we can build upon the progress which has been made today."

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