A recent letter by United Steelworkers (USW) international president Leo W. Gerard to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission raised concerns about our nation's current capability to produce component parts for the growth of the nuclear industry in the U.S. It was written in response to the awarding of loan guarantees by the U.S. government to build two nuclear reactors in Burke, Ga., that could possibly use components built overseas.
The USW believes that the majority of the materials used in building these plants such as steel and piping can be sourced from domestic facilities employing its members. As North America's largest manufacturing union, the USW sees such initiatives as integral to the renewal of manufacturing in America.
"American taxpayers should not bear the burden of loan guarantees if the jobs to be created by them are in another country, said Gerard. "If we're going to invest in nuclear as a way to become less oil-dependent, then we need to build it domestically."
The USW represents the workers at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., where nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines are built and where a joint venture between Newport News and AREVA has been announced. The USW is already engaged in discussions about partnering with Newport News and AREVA to develop this production in property adjacent to current shipbuilding site.
"We urge the regulatory agencies involved in the permitting and licensing of this new nuclear capability as well as Congress and the Obama administration to take a long term view of these possibilities," said Gerard. "We must take the necessary steps to insure that the domestic content of these facilities is developed here in the U.S. by American workers."