(PITTSBURGH) - The United Steelworkers (USW) have raised concerns about the ability of the United States to produce component parts for the growth of the American Nuclear Industry.  As a result, USW President Leo Gerard is calling on the Obama Administration to take necessary steps to insure domestic content be developed in United States by U.S. workers.

In a letter to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, USW President Gerard raised concerns about the Nation's current capability to produce component parts for the growth of the nuclear industry within the United States.  Gerard's letter was written in response to the awarding of loan guarantees by the U.S. government to build two nuclear reactors in Georgia, which possibly could use components built overseas. 
 
"American taxpayers should not bear the burden of loan guarantees if the jobs to be created by them are in another country.  If we're going to invest in nuclear as a way to become less oil-dependent, then we need to build it domestically," Gerard said.

The USW believes the majority of the materials used in building these plants - such as steel and piping - can be sourced from domestic facilities employing its members.  As North America's largest manufacturing Union, USW representatives view such initiatives as integral to the renewal of manufacturing in America.

"We urge the regulatory agencies involved in the permitting and licensing of this new nuclear capability, as well as Congress and the Obama Administration, to take a long term view of these possibilities.  We must take the necessary steps to insure that the domestic content of these facilities is developed here in the U.S. by American workers," Gerard said.

The USW represents Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding workers in Newport News, Virginia, where nuclear aircraft carriers and submarines are built and where a joint venture between Newport News and the industrial conglomerate AREVA - which is mainly known for nuclear power - has been announced.  The USW is already engaged in discussions about partnering with Newport News and AREVA in order to develop this production in property that is located adjacent to current shipbuilding site.