Squeaky Wheels Get Nuclear Grease

A House energy subcommittee passed a $25 billion loan guarantee for new nuclear reactors.  The subcommittee delayed action on the measure until now because a Democratic member running for reelection in Texas' 17th District wanted the money to expand the Comanche Peak reactor in his district.  Congressman Chet Edwards attacked his Repugnant opponent for being soft on bailouts for the nuclear industry, and especially Comanche Peak.  Luminant, the owner of the plant is applying to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build two new 1700W reactors, scheduled to begin construction in 2013.  Edwards has sold the idea to his constituents as a source of jobs and economic development.  The inclusion of the $25 billion loan subsidy is not the first time House Democrats have used the Energy Loan Guarantee program to help colleagues.  Last month $9 billion in loans was included for projects in Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Majority Whip James Clyburn's districts, while other money was stripped from the bill.  The latest subsidies to the nuclear industry were made after GAO released a report on July 12 saying the loan program was inadequately planned and executed.