HARRISBURG, Sep. 20 – State Representative Rob Matzie, a Democrat from Beaver and the majority chair of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, has issued a statement regarding the announcement that Constellation Energy plans to restart the Three Mile Island Reactor 1 by 2028.
“Pennsylvania is a net exporter of electricity, but our power grid is facing unprecedented demands,” Matzie stated.
He highlighted that restarting Reactor 1 at Three Mile Island would increase capacity and flexibility to meet these demands. “This move not only supports clean energy generation but also promises billions in tax revenue and thousands of well-paying jobs, with additional roles created in supporting industries.”
Matzie emphasized the significance of Microsoft, one of the world’s largest companies, agreeing to purchase the emissions-free energy generated from the plant to power their data centers.
He expressed confidence in the permitting process, stating that it should undergo thorough scrutiny before the facility can be restarted. Additionally, he urged Constellation and government officials to maintain transparency with the public throughout the process.
The estimated restart of TMI is expected to create over 3,000 direct jobs and generate more than $3 billion in annual economic activity.
Pennsylvania is recognized as the birthplace of the nuclear power sector, with its first commercial nuclear facility beginning operations in 1957 in Beaver County. Currently, the state’s eight nuclear reactors at four sites produce one-third of all electricity in Pennsylvania, all with zero emissions.