A.G. Gancarski
Just before Monday night’s tipoff of the Gators’ national championship game, Florida’s Attorney General dropped his own three-pointer about the state’s future power intentions.
James Uthmeier revealed that he had signed an opinion from Texas, Utah, and other states regarding a significant legal challenge against the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The AG said Monday that a big reason was to let the federal government know Florida was ready to move and was tired of dithering from D.C.
“For decades, Washington has made promises about nuclear energy — but then throws up roadblocks when real innovation comes along,” said Uthmeier. “Florida is done waiting. We’re taking action to unleash the full potential of safe nuclear technology, strengthen our energy independence, and secure cleaner water and air in our state.”
NRC v. Texas has already been heard by the Supreme Court, but no ruling has been issued.
For Uthmeier, the need for nuclear power is undeniable. The state’s “growing population” and “increasing electricity demand” create “significant challenges” that can be met in part by small, modular reactors. Yet, states looking to innovate are frustrated by an outmoded regulatory scheme that doesn’t contemplate technological advances.
“By taking legal action, Florida is standing up for innovation, energy reliability, and the American people, ensuring that the state can explore all avenues to meet its energy needs,” Uthmeier’s office claims.
17 comments
PeterH
April 8, 2025 at 6:56 am
Safe nuclear energy in hurricane prone Florida?!?! Republicans are America’s worst enemy! Vote all Republicans out of office!
Just Babs
April 8, 2025 at 11:13 am
There is no trace of the Republican Party. It is now the MAGA Cult Party and they are becoming dumber than ever. It’s a disease of the brain and it’s a progressive disease that induces cognitive decline.
Ex-GOP
April 8, 2025 at 7:47 am
What in the F does this weasel Ulthmeier know about nuclear energy? A nuke plant in a hurricane? Good thinking, pal.
Had enough of this chump? Little putz thinks he’s king of the world, hasn’t been elected by anybody. He’s cruising for a bruising.
MH/Duuuval
April 9, 2025 at 9:33 am
Putz is an understatement. Here’s the latest assault on elected officials by the MAGAs in Florida:
By Cristóbal Reyes Orlando Sentinel (today, online)
“State Attorney General James Uthmeier lobbed another public barb at State Attorney Monique Worrell this week, calling her “soft on crime” in the case of a man she never prosecuted because it was before she even took office.
Never mind the facts — just sic your AG on perceived enemies. Never mind the “enemy” has been twice elected by VOTERS to their office.
just sayin
April 8, 2025 at 8:14 am
Would either of you two Very Concern individuals care to articulate the unique risk a hurricane poses to a power plant? And why it hasn’t caused issues at the seven nuclear power plants already hit by hurricanes. Difficulty – you can’t use The Simpsons as a source.
MH/Duuuval
April 8, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Are you just sayin’ that the nuclear wast disposal issue has been resolved? Because NIMBY still rules most places.
Bill
April 8, 2025 at 3:27 pm
Apparently it has been solved and we can actually clean up our existing stockpiles of waste but Bill Gates was working with the Chinese on it and trump nixed it last time he was playing at being President. Methinks the oil lobby and his buddies in the middle east will make sure it stays nixed for now.
MH/Duuuval
April 9, 2025 at 9:29 am
Give us a cite — this is big news, if true. The last time the Feds tried to find a remote, unpopulated area to create a waste dump, it went down in flames. Nobody wants this stuff.
Ex-GOP
April 9, 2025 at 7:59 am
Hmmmmm. A nuke plant in the path of a Cat 5. What could go wrong?
Duhhhhhh
This is why graduates of the Florida educational system should NEVER be entrusted with nuclear power.
LexT
April 8, 2025 at 9:10 am
Lord. New nuclear power is very different than Three Mile Island. New nuclear power is small Thorium reactors. The new reactors don’t melt down and can survive hurricanes just fine. I’m not for the old 1970’s reactors, but new reactors… it really is a great idea.
Just Babs
April 8, 2025 at 11:18 am
They are only safe under stringent and ongoing regulations and inspections. Allowing the profit makers to self regulate would be a disaster..Seeing as Trump and the MAGAts are eliminating regulations and laws, they would be very dangerous.
Bill
April 8, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Time to by stock in TerraPower I guess. Works for me and God knows Texas needs help with their grid
WGD
April 8, 2025 at 10:45 am
The Republican morons who govern FL, whose only guiding principles are discarding regulations and disdain for the environment, should not be permitted to dabble in nuclear power. Unless you think that FL is not being destroyed fast enough and want to speed up the process.
MH/Duuuval
April 9, 2025 at 9:36 am
MAGAs represent — for many of us — the Homer Simpsons of science and technology.
Michael K
April 8, 2025 at 12:28 pm
What energy source makes the most sense in the Sunshine State?
Hint: It’s free. It’s abundant.
Real leaership would make Florida #1 in the nation for solar, if only we had leadership.
ScienceBLVR
April 8, 2025 at 4:07 pm
increasing electricity demand” create “significant challenges” that can be met in part by small, modular reactors.
Oh oh.. how bout one in Crystal River? Remember that boondoggle? How bout putting a few reactors in state parks instead of pickleball courts? Down the street from Mar A Lago- lots of energy expended there. Next to Universal? Disney? Tourists will love it. Hey Honey, great deal on a beach Condo by the reactor… Tally could use an energy source to wade through all the baloney coming from our legislators in the capitol…
JD
April 9, 2025 at 10:12 am
You mean like in Japan? Without the prim and properness of their culture to recover from a disaster.
What could f@cking possibly go wrong?