Why does Utah and the surrounding region need nuclear power?
The demand for electrical power in the Western U.S. is increasing faster than resources can be effectively deployed. The Western Electric Coordinating Council has concluded that at least 10,000 MWe of as yet unidentified new electrical capacity is required to meet the growing demand in the Western U.S. Within the next 8 years, shortages could develop unless sufficient additional capacity resources are identified, resources allocated and plants built. This situation is aggravated by new EPA requirements for coal fired power plant air permits. Although Utah has significant coal resources, any attempts to permit a new significant coal fired power plant will be very difficult. Utah’s division of air quality has established more stringent pollution criteria for our populated areas and national parks. Effectively, it would be difficult for Utah to build additional coal fired power.Companies are also reluctant to develop natural gas generation because of the volatile swings in the price of na
