Washington, D.C.—U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) sent a letter to White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows calling for the inclusion of a waiver for Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) fees in the Phase IV COVID-19 Relief Package.

“Nuclear operators, like Arizona’s Palo Verde Nuclear Plant, across our nation are working around the clock to provide electricity to millions of Americans, even as bills go unpaid as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “Like many other businesses, nuclear operators are facing increased operations and maintenance costs as they implement temperature checks, purchase additional PPE, and modify facilities to achieve appropriate social distancing measures. But, unlike other industries, they have seen no relief from previous COVID-19 relief packages. It is my hope we can consider them in the next package through a simple fee waiver.”

So far, Arizona’s Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, the largest net-generating nuclear station in the United States, has spent $6 million on COVID-19 related costs and anticipates spending $9 million more by the end of 2020. The costs will only continue to grow in 2021.

“Palo Verde is not the only nuclear operator struggling and we must provide them a pathway to relief in the next package. I would rather see fees paid to a federal agency temporarily waived than have costs passed on to consumers,” continued Lesko. “Nuclear power is an important part of America’s energy independence and our national security. We must support this key American industry during this troubling time for our nation.”

Waiving NRC fees will have no impact on nuclear safety.

Lesko was joined by Representatives Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04), and David Schweikert (AZ-06) in sending the letter.

Read the full letter here.

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