Today, Representative Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-9) testified before the Florida Cabinet and urged members to re-think Florida’s energy policies and the large role nuclear power plays in Florida’s energy future.  She asked Cabinet members to invest more in Florida’s renewable energy industry and provide the same consideration they have done for nuclear energy power plants such as the one proposed for Levy County by Progress Energy Florida.  Despite her testimony as well as that of several others who opposed the plant, the Cabinet voted unanimously to approve an Order to be executed by the Siting Board granting Progress Energy full and final certification for construction and operation of the Levy nuclear power plant and associated facilities.

“I believe we can do more in Florida to produce truly clean, safe and renewable energy that can decrease our dependency on foreign oil and help families afford a good quality of life,” said Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda.  “Nuclear energy has a high price and the cost recovery to families is an unjust price to pay.  Renewable energy, however, has a high return on investment and generates many green jobs that are good for our economy and better for our environment,” she said.

In her testimony before the Cabinet, the Representative read from a letter she hand delivered Cabinet members this morning asking for reconsideration of the nuclear power plant and its dangers to communities surrounding it.

“Nuclear production, transportation across state lines, and permanent disposal are fraught with potential legal liability and risks to our national security. We once again leave a legacy of unfinished and dangerous business for our children and their children's children to face. Even with the ability to recycle some of the waste, dangerous waste will remain for thousands of years. That is a problem that although I am sure scientists have been working on for decades, we have still not solved. It is unfair and unjust to pawn yet another problem off on others and the next generation.”