Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Iowa should learn from Florida's nuke mistake; senator says "I’ve learned my lesson"
A senator from Florida has an important message for Iowa:
"It is bad for consumers and bad for our state."
"I never thought the Florida Public Service Commission would turn a blind eye"
"I am now sponsoring a bill that would prevent advanced cost recovery for nuclear reactors."
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120330/OPINION/303300018/-1/GETPUBLISHED03/Iowa-View-Iowa-should-learn-from-Florida-s-nuke-mistake
Iowa View: Iowa should learn from Florida's nuke mistake
10:06 PM, Mar. 29, 2012
Iowa senators are considering allowing a private utility to raise electric rates so it can fund the construction of new nuclear reactors. I understand the temptation to vote for such a bill — in fact, in 2006, as a member of the Florida Senate, that’s exactly what I did. But I’ve since learned my lesson, and I hope Iowa’s senators will, too, before they make a decision they could regret.
<snip>
I have seen the Florida law’s consequences to our state’s families and businesses, and I’ve changed my mind about the wisdom of such a policy. It is bad for consumers and bad for our state. That is why I am now sponsoring a bill that would prevent advanced cost recovery for nuclear reactors. Protecting consumers is something people across the political spectrum can agree on, and that’s why I’m working closely with state Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasilinda, a Democrat.
According to filings, some Floridians could now see an increase of nearly $50 per month per 1,000 kilowatts of power by 2020. Many people use 2,000 kilowatts or more so their increases would be much higher. Naturally, larger electricity users, such as businesses and industrial users, will pay even more. Those on fixed incomes, especially senior citizens, will have a difficult time adjusting to such increases.
<snip>
When I originally supported my state’s advanced cost recovery bill, I never thought the Florida Public Service Commission would turn a blind eye to the high risks associated with such capital-intensive and complicated projects. Now the industry is telling Iowa senators not to worry because the Iowa Utilities Board would provide an independent check on rates. Well, if it wasn’t true when the utility said it in Florida, why would you trust a utility when it says the same thing in Iowa?
<snip>
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MIKE FASANO of New Port Richey, Fla., is a Republican member of the Florida Senate.
Contact: fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov
Iowa View: Iowa should learn from Florida's nuke mistake
10:06 PM, Mar. 29, 2012
Iowa senators are considering allowing a private utility to raise electric rates so it can fund the construction of new nuclear reactors. I understand the temptation to vote for such a bill — in fact, in 2006, as a member of the Florida Senate, that’s exactly what I did. But I’ve since learned my lesson, and I hope Iowa’s senators will, too, before they make a decision they could regret.
<snip>
I have seen the Florida law’s consequences to our state’s families and businesses, and I’ve changed my mind about the wisdom of such a policy. It is bad for consumers and bad for our state. That is why I am now sponsoring a bill that would prevent advanced cost recovery for nuclear reactors. Protecting consumers is something people across the political spectrum can agree on, and that’s why I’m working closely with state Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel-Vasilinda, a Democrat.
According to filings, some Floridians could now see an increase of nearly $50 per month per 1,000 kilowatts of power by 2020. Many people use 2,000 kilowatts or more so their increases would be much higher. Naturally, larger electricity users, such as businesses and industrial users, will pay even more. Those on fixed incomes, especially senior citizens, will have a difficult time adjusting to such increases.
<snip>
When I originally supported my state’s advanced cost recovery bill, I never thought the Florida Public Service Commission would turn a blind eye to the high risks associated with such capital-intensive and complicated projects. Now the industry is telling Iowa senators not to worry because the Iowa Utilities Board would provide an independent check on rates. Well, if it wasn’t true when the utility said it in Florida, why would you trust a utility when it says the same thing in Iowa?
<snip>
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MIKE FASANO of New Port Richey, Fla., is a Republican member of the Florida Senate.
Contact: fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov