By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The future of nuclear energy was the focus of an announcement made by Congressman Fred Upton during a special visit to the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, Monday. Upton announced that Lake Michigan Community college would be the recipient of an over $82,000 grant to be awarded by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The grant is intended to provide for "10 scholarships for students enrolled full-time in the newly created Energy Production Technology program," at the college according to a release by Upton's office.
"What we've seen at the gas pumps is soon to come to our heating and cooling as well," Upton said Monday on a visit to the Niles Daily Star. "We need to be prepared," he added. "We have to send the message to our students about nuclear power."
That message is "our energy demands continue to grow," he said. The population of the nuclear workforce is growing towards retirement, Upton explained. That opens the door to a wealth of job opportunities for those that are gaining training and education within the industry through programs offered like the one at Lake Michigan College.
"This is a unique opportunity for those who want to acquire an advanced skill set and then put that training to work in a career immediately upon graduation, said Dr. Randall Miller, president of Lake Michigan College in the release. "As a community college, we want to do everything in our power to help create a skilled workforce that can meet the needs of local industry. Scholarships such as these help us to fulfill that mission."
As part of the scholarship program, students will reportedly receive funds "to cover full tuition, fees and textbooks as a full-time student enrolled in the fall, winter spring and summer sessions." Those students are expected to sign contracts that they will hold occupations within the industry "for six months for each year of scholarship funding."
In addition, Upton, who is considered the "top Republican" on the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality believes an that focus on the recycling of nuclear waste is imperative. For its part, should Michigan choose to move towards that focus, Upton said a nuclear waste recycling facility would need to be built – another avenue for hundreds of jobs in its construction and operations.
News of possible jobs in the near future for Michigan workers may ring with a divine sense of hope for many. Michigan is deep in one of the worst economic situations in the nation. Unemployment has risen and many of the state's residence face the worry of losing their jobs from east cost to west. Upton believes that moving toward new advances in nuclear energy will not only benefit workers – but cut down on greenhouse gasses, save consumers money and contribute positively to the country's energy and economic crises.
Still, "(there) has to be a comprehensive plan," he said. "There's no silver bullet that's going to solve this."
"In addition to providing stable, emissions-free electricity," Upton's office states. "The economic benefits of nuclear power are substantial. Each of today's 104 reactors generates an estimated $430 million a year in total output for the local community and nearly $40 million per year in total labor income."
Upton is optimistic that the public will support endeavors to expand the abilities and potential of both the Cook and Palisades nuclear plants. And he is adamant that nuclear energy is a viable path towards improving the energy and economic troubles facing consumers.
"Frankly, we're behind the curve," he said."Unless you find new sources…(current sources) dry up."