State Representative Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, who serves as the majority chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee and as chair of the House Nuclear Energy Caucus, commented on Constellation Energy’s announcement regarding the planned restart of the Three Mile Island Reactor 1 by 2028.
Matzie noted that Pennsylvania is a significant exporter of power, but the state’s power grid is facing unprecedented demands. The reopening of Reactor 1 at Three Mile Island is expected to provide additional capacity and flexibility to meet these demands, contributing not only to clean energy production but also generating billions in tax revenue and thousands of well-paying jobs. The restart is projected to create over 3,000 direct jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic activity, with further job opportunities arising in supporting industries.
He highlighted the positive aspect of Microsoft agreeing to purchase the emissions-free energy produced at the facility for its data centers.
Matzie emphasized the importance of thorough scrutiny during the permitting process as the industry and regulators move forward. He called for transparency from Constellation and all government levels throughout the process.
Pennsylvania has a rich history in the nuclear power sector, being home to the first commercial nuclear power plant, which began operations in 1957 in Beaver County at Shippingport. Currently, the state operates eight nuclear reactors across four facilities that contribute one-third of its electricity generation without emissions.