Press Releases

On Friday, Rep. Huizenga was joined by a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues on a letter regarding the importance of repowering Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert, Michigan. Addressing Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Chair Chris Hanson, the lawmakers urged swift and responsible consideration of the federal loan application submitted by Holtec, as it seeks to restore Palisades’ 800 megawatts of baseload generation for Southwest Michigan.

“Repowering Palisades could significantly grow the region’s economy, strengthen our domestic energy security, and return safe, reliable, and carbon-free generation back to the electrical grid,” wrote the Members. “Throughout this process and going forward, we expect NRC to utilize its full independent oversight authorities to ensure the most stringent standards of safety…. The repowering of Palisades represents a critical step in addressing energy shortages, supporting the fight to lower carbon emissions, and promoting economic growth.”

This initiative has already achieved support from local stakeholders, a $150 million investment in Michigan’s state budget, and a power purchase agreement with Wolverine Power Cooperative. Now, the next step is formal federal-level support.

Joining Congressman Huizenga on the letter are U.S. Representatives: Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Tim Walberg, (R-MI), Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Haley Stevens (D-MI), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ).

The text of the letter is available below and a signed copy is available here.

Dear Secretary Granholm and Chair Hanson:

We write on behalf of the federal loan funding application submitted by Holtec to repower the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant in Covert, Michigan. Building upon the list of private and public stakeholders on the state and local community level that have already backed this project, Holtec is now seeking federal support. Repowering Palisades could significantly grow the region’s economy, strengthen our domestic energy security, and return safe, reliable, and carbon-free generation back to the electrical grid.

Restoring Palisades’ 800 megawatts of baseload generation, which is sufficient to reliably power more than 800,000 homes with clean energy, would be critical to addressing our nation’s fast-growing energy needs. In addition to clear energy benefits, Palisades has the potential to directly drive economic growth and create hundreds of highly skilled jobs, including a union workforce and long-term opportunities in STEM fields.

Having only been offline since mid-2022, the plant remains in workable condition – prior to which it achieved the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) best safety category and high marks from within its industry. Throughout this process and going forward, we expect NRC to utilize its full independent oversight authorities to ensure the most stringent standards of safety.

Holtec has filed an application for federal loan funding through the U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year to repower Palisades. Many additional partners are standing ready to help take on this responsibility. Palisades’ capabilities were recently recognized in the State’s FY 2024 budget with a $150 million investment for repowering. Stakeholders of all kinds have expressed support for Palisades, including local levels of government like Covert Township and several county boards, chambers of commerce and business groups like the Michigan Manufacturers Association, organized labor groups, and many local educational institutions. Importantly, in September 2023, Holtec secured a long-term power purchase agreement with Wolverine Power Cooperative, a not-for-profit rural power provider. Now, with these commitments from Holtec, the State of Michigan, and others, we urge the Department of Energy to give its fair, full, and swift consideration to the application. Buy-in from all parties will be necessary to make Palisades an operational success now and for future generations.

The repowering of Palisades represents a critical step in addressing energy shortages, supporting the fight to lower carbon emissions, and promoting economic growth. On behalf of the communities we represent, we thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.