To the Editor:

Entergy’s decision to close the FitzPatrick nuclear power plant (“Indian Point Owner to Close Nuclear Plant Upstate, Angering Governor,” news article, Nov. 3) is another reminder of the need for policies that properly value nuclear for its carbon-free and reliability benefits. Unfortunately, this comes on the heels of another announced plant retirement, the Pilgrim nuclear power plant, and is indicative of the challenges that the existing nuclear energy fleet faces.

The existing nuclear power fleet provides significant benefits to our country, providing 20 percent of our power and 64 percent of our carbon-free energy. Because these plants generate emissions-free electricity, they are key to achieving the clean energy future that we all strive for, including President Obama’s carbon-cutting goals, which likely could not be met in many states without these nuclear plants.

Because of a lack of recognition of these benefits, however, there are additional nuclear plants that face challenges that jeopardize their future. We need a serious approach to preserving these plants if we hope to enjoy the benefits they provide and achieve our climate change goals.

CAROL M. BROWNER

Washington

The writer served as Environmental Protection Agency administrator from 1993 to 2001 and as director of the White House Office of Energy and Climate Change Policy from 2009 to 2011. She is a Leadership Council member for Nuclear Matters.