Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga issued a statement after the U.S. Department of Energy announced a second lo an disbursement to owners of the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, releasing more than $56 million of the up to $1.5 billion loan.
Huizenga thanked President Donal Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright for “advancing Southwest Michigan’s role in the mission to unleash American energy production and strengthen our national energy security,” going on to say the decision is another key step towards providing safe, carbon-free, reliable energy, hundreds of jobs and lower energy costs for communities.
Palisades could be the first-ever recommissioning of a nuclear power plant.
Owner Holtec International plans to restart by the end of this year, and to also build two small modular reactor units at the site to generate more energy.
Environmental groups and some neighbors actively oppose the recommissioning though, citing safety concerns, the plant's age, and the potential for accidents.
