Crystal River Nuke Plant to close

REP NUGENT: “THIS IS GOING TO BE A DEVASTATING BLOW”

(WASHINGTON, DC) Following the announcement by Duke Energy that they will permanently close the Crystal River Nuclear Plant, Rep. Rich Nugent (FL-11) issued the following statement:

“For the six hundred families who are directly affected by Duke Energy’s decision, this is going to be a devastating blow.  But the economic impact of the decision goes far beyond just the workers employed at the plant.  The plant has been a key economic engine in this community for thirty years and all of Citrus County will be affected in a very real way.

“Community leaders all over the county have been pushing Progress and then Duke Energy to repair the plant for years now, including myself.  I know all parties involved have worked as hard as possible to find a solution for Citrus County and the focus will now shift to making sure that Citrus will be home to future investments by the company.  In particular, the natural gas-fueled plant being considered by Duke would be a tremendous asset for the state and for the community for years to come and I plan on working with both the leaders in this community and Duke Energy in the coming months to find a viable way forward.  It’s energy and it’s jobs and Central Florida desperately needs both. I know we’re all going to do everything we can. 

“The employees affected by this closure are extremely capable engineers and operators and they are truly an asset to this community and to the industry.  I am extremely hopeful that as the Crystal River facility is taken offline and as the Levy facility is brought online, that these employees will continue to find a home with Duke Energy.  It’s a mighty tough day for Citrus County, but I know we’re all going to turn our eyes now to the future to see what is possible.”