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.”
