Air Force considering building nuclear plant

Washington (Platts)--3Mar2008

The US Air Force is considering building a power reactor at one or more of
its bases, said Kevin Billings, assistant secretary of the Air Force for
energy, environment, safety and occupational health. At a March 3 energy
forum in Arlington, Virginia sponsored by the Air Force, he said that the
reactor would be privately owned and operated. Billings also said that
Senator Larry Craig, an Idaho Republican, sent a letter to the Air Force
last year asking whether it would be interested in building a nuclear power
plant. Later, Republican Senator Pete Domenici of New Mexico also sent a
letter with a similar inquiry, Billings said. The Air Force would be a
"predictable and welcoming host" for a reactor and could offer a long-term
power purchase agreement, Billings said.