Tulsa-based Public Service Co. of Oklahoma attempted to build a nuclear reactor near Inola in 1974, but the $2.4-billion Black Fox project was scapped in 1982... [Source: The Oklahoman, cited by AP, "Tulsa company involved in nuclear power resurgence", The Associated Press State & Local Wire, June 5, 2006 12:25 am GMT]

June 5, 2006

Will a commercial nuclear plant get built in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma Energy Secretary David Fleischaker, who fought the nuclear power industry in the 1970s as an environmental attorney in Washington, now says that better technology and an improved emphasis on safety have resolved issues of accidents and meltdowns. He isn't as opposed to nuclear power now. "I think the nuclear option is one we need to explore", he said. "But there are two important issues that remain to be resolved. The first is waste disposal. No one wants another state's waste buried in their back yard. The second issue relates to national security." Putting more plutonium in the economy, he said, raises the risk that terrorists will be able to obtain it.

Utility executives don't see nuclear power in Oklahoma's future, however. Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. chairman and CEO Steven Moore said "It will not happen during my career." He explained that although "Once again nuclear power is becoming preferred for environmental reasons, but I think it is a specialty that should be pursued by those with experience with nuclear energy. It doesn't seem to make much sense in the middle of the oil and gas patch.

A spokesperson for Public Service Co. of Oklahoma said his company is not pursuing nuclear power at this point. "In our business, you never says never", he (Stan Whiteford) said. "But where we are now and with our current approach on things, that doesn't seem to be a good option for us at this time. [Source: The Oklahoman, cited by AP, "Tulsa company involved in nuclear power resurgence", The Associated Press State & Local Wire, June 5, 2006 12:25 am GMT]

March 3, 2004