DATE: November 15, 2007

CONTACT: Chris Przirembel, (864) 656-7701
cprzmbl@clemson.edu

WRITER: Sandy Woodward, (864) 656-1220
sandra@clemson.edu

Christine Todd Whitman to speak on need for nuclear energy

CLEMSON — Christine Todd Whitman, co-chairman of the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy), an organization that supports the use of nuclear energy, will speak at Clemson University’s Strom Thurmond Institute Self Auditorium at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20. The program is free and open to the public.

The U.S. Department of Energy projects United States consumers will need 40 percent more electricity by 2030. Nuclear energy currently provides electricity for one of every five U.S. homes and businesses. Whitman, former EPA administrator and governor of New Jersey, will share her thoughts on why nuclear power should be part of a diverse mix of electricity sources to meet the nation’s growing needs.

South Carolina ranks high among the states in both consumption and generation of electricity. With four nuclear power plants online, the state also is a major source of nuclear power. In addition to Duke Energy’s Oconee Nuclear Station, plants are located in Clover, Hartsville and Jenkinsville. In 2006, these operations produced more than half of South Carolina’s total electricity generation for the year.

Whitman’s visit to Clemson is sponsored by the Office of Research and Economic Development.

For directions and parking information, contact the Strom Thurmond Institute at (864) 656-4700. To learn more about the Clean and Safe Energy initiative, visit the CASEnergy Web site: www.cleansafeenergy.org.

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