DeWine, Cordray both favor preserving nuclear power in Ohio

SANDUSKY — With the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Ottawa County threatened with closure, the two main candidates running for governor both told the Register Friday they favor preserving nuclear power in Ohio.Republican Mike DeWine said he supports the industry, while Democrat Richard Cordray said any solution must help both workers and consumers.FirstEnergy has said the Davis-Besse plant may be sold or shut down, taking away the plant's jobs and the property tax revenue the plant generates.DeWine and his running mate, Jon Husted, met Thursday at Davis-Besse with FirstEnergy officials.DeWine issued a statement to the Register Friday."We believe in an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Ohio must have an energy plan that reflects our diverse industries and the availability of natural resources, including both existing and evolving technologies. Nuclear power provides a valuable clean, reliable source of energy and should remain an important part of Ohio's energy future," DeWine said."We are committed to preserving nuclear power for Ohio's future, as well as the thousands of jobs it provides for Ohioans, and will work diligently at both the state and federal levels to ensure they remain part of Ohio's energy strategy," he said.After the Register asked the Democratic candidate, Richard Cordray, to clarify his stance on Davis-Besse, Cordray also issued a statement."Betty Sutton and I support an all of the above approach to energy policy that will embrace all options, including nuclear power, to keep energy costs down for middle class families, create good jobs and protect our environment. As governor and lieutenant governor, we will work closely with the federal government to find a resolution to the possible closure of Davis-Besse that will be beneficial for both consumers and workers," Cordray said.Attempts in Ohio to keep Davis-Besse open have stalled so far over criticism that taxpayers and ratepayers shouldn't have to finance a bailout to keep it open. Nuclear power supporters and foes have debated the plant's safety for years. Ohio has one other nuclear power plant, in Perry. President Donald Trump has expressed support for the nuclear power industry and has ordered the secretary of energy, former Texas governor Rick Perry, to try to find ways to help preserve generating capacity from nuclear power plants. Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.Sandusky Register file photo. Davis-Besse Nuclear power plant. Mike DeWineRich Cordray