Foris – The federal government will press ahead with their plans to build more nuclear power plants, even if individual states remain opposed, using their federal powers to override local governments. That is according to Chancellor Bethany Greer, who was responding to press questions today at her annual meeting with members of the Novum Aeternum state government. “The Democratic Left Party was elected with a mandate to deliver on clean, sustainable nuclear power expansions across Sanctaria. If individual governments disagree with us, we will listen carefully, but we will not let NIMBYism stop the will of voters”, she stressed.
Greer was responding to claims that state governments in Galvium and Aquitanium, both controlled by her own party, would seek to prevent the federal DLP government from building new nuclear power plants in their jurisdictions. Nuclear power, particularly in Aquitanium, remains deeply unpopular despite a majority of voters nationwide preferring it over traditional fossil fuels and gas, with the state government there led by Anne McBride wishing to prioritise solar and wave generated electricity. Though state governments do have the authority to pursue their own energy security and investments, as the national grid supplies the nation, the federal government does retain legislative supremacy in this area.
“I respect my colleagues in Aquitanium and Galvium deeply, and I agree with the need to invest more in our solar and wind energy sources to further our green energy strategy. Energy Secretary [Addison] Pritchard will work with them closely in this regard. Nuclear power, however, is a valid and sustainable green energy solution, and this government disagrees deeply with pausing investment on a safe, secure, and expedient way to guarantee Sanctaria’s energy future. We will press ahead, and we will use our federal powers to build against local wishes if we need to”, Greer said in a press conference after her meeting with Premier Warner (SCP) and his cabinet. “Despite disagreement across other areas of government policy, I am happy to say that Premier Warner here at least is supportive of the push for more efficient nuclear power in our energy grid, and will support also in investment across Novum Aeternum.”
Moreso than any of her predecessors since federalisation, Greer has been willing to push federal-state relations to a strained position, even within her own party, where the voting public appear to be behind her. According to latest polling on the issue, 71% of Sanctarians endorse further investment in nuclear energy programmes, with 63% of Democratic Left Party members in favour. The issues is strongest with Sanctarian Conservative Party voters, at 82%, making this a rare cross-spectrum issue that enjoys broad support. Even residents of Galvium and Aquitanium support it, with polling there showing endorsement levels in the mid to high 50s.
With energy bills increasing due to volatile economic outlooks in oil producing nations in Caxcana and Neria, Greer is taking a bet that short term unpopularity with her DLP State Premier colleagues will be forgotten if domestic nuclear output is able to keep costs low for Sanctarian residents. Though the public are behind her on this one, federalism has already taken root to great fondness across the Divine Federation, and many state residents will have twinges of concern that the Federal Chancellor is becoming more and more accepting of her powers to overrule their local governments.
JOEY SESSIONS, Political Editor
