California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA ADVISORY
Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov

CPUC PRESENTS DISCUSSION OF NUCLEAR POWER
AT THOUGHT LEADERS SPEAKER SERIES

SAN FRANCISCO, October 5, 2010 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today announced it will host a discussion with Jacques Besnainou, CEO of Areva North America; and John Hutson, President/CEO the Fresno Nuclear Energy Group, about their plans for a new Clean Energy Park in the San Joaquin Valley, utilizing nuclear power and solar energy. This event is free and open to the public.

WHEN: Oct. 14, 2010, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

WHAT: Mr. Besnainou and Mr. Hutson will address their vision for the Clean Energy Park, with special attention to the role of nuclear power in meeting the economic development needs of the San Joaquin Valley and the clean energy needs of California. Some issues for discussion include:

_ How has nuclear power progressed over the past several decades?

_ What are the key environmental, safety, technological, economical, political, and regulatory issues with nuclear power plants?

_ What are the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power to produce desalinated water in the Central Valley?

_ Can nuclear power replace some of the current stock of baseload energy being provided by more carbon-intensive fuels?

_ Should California consider reversing the nuclear power moratorium in place since 1976?

There will be a moderated question and answer session. In order to facilitate the session, please send your questions in advance of the event to thoughtleaders@cpuc.ca.gov.

WHERE: CPUC Auditorium, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco.

Also available in real time and archived via video webcast at: www.californiaadmin.com/cpuc.shtml.

To register for this event (not required, but appreciated) and for more information on Thought Leaders, including archived video webcasts of prior speakers, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/thoughtleaders.

The CPUC hosts the Thought Leaders Speaker Series to stimulate thought and discussion of some of the most pressing challenges facing California utility regulators and the private sector industries impacted by state policies. Leading experts from around the world take center stage to offer their expertise and vision in areas such as communications, energy, water, transportation, the environment, green jobs, and more. Although a quorum of Commissioners may be in attendance, no CPUC action will be taken at this event.

For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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