Armed with a new poll that says Pennsylvania residents support the expansion of nuclear power to meet future energy needs, a statewide coalition has formed to promote nuclear energy.

The coalition is made up of community leaders, technical experts and others who believe nuclear energy is vital to Pennsylvania's future.

The group's goal is to advocate for nuclear energy and increase awareness of the environmental and economic benefits it brings to Pennsylvania, according to a press released announcing the launch of PA Energy Alliance.

Pennsylvania is the nation's second largest producer of nuclear energy and gets more than one-third of its electricity from this carbon-free source, says the Pennsylvania Energy Alliance for Generating Reliable Electricity for Our Energy Needs (PA Energy Alliance).

The alliance released the results of a statewide poll showing that a large majority of state residents believe nuclear energy is important to meeting the nation's electricity requirements.

The poll of 800 Pennsylvania residents, conducted by Terry Madonna Opinion Research last September, found that:

-- Over 82 percent of respondents believe nuclear power is important to
meeting America's energy needs;

-- 82 percent believe nuclear power is a reliable source of electricity;

-- 73 percent believe nuclear power will lead the country to greater independence from foreign energy sources;

-- Over 66 percent believe nuclear power is safe;

-- Nearly 60 percent believe nuclear power will lead to increased national security;

-- 57 percent believe the use of nuclear power will reduce the effects of global warming.

The survey specifically asked about two of the state's nuclear plants - Three Mile Island in Dauphin County and Limerick Generating Station in Montgomery County.

Three-fourths of those surveyed said they have a favorable opinion of the nuclear plants.

"Our poll found that overwhelming majorities in Pennsylvania believe that nuclear energy is safe and reliable, that it will help reduce the effects of global warming, and that it will lead to greater energy independence and increased national security," said G. Terry Madonna. "Of particular note is that these views are held by Pennsylvanians who live near nuclear energy plants, as well as those who do not."

The PA Energy Alliance includes community and business leaders, public officials, scientists and others who support energy policies "that meet the state's needs, protect our environment and improve our economy."

A primary goal of the Alliance is the continued safe operation of the state's five nuclear plants, according to the group.

Karen Walsh, former deputy chief of staff to U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey Jr., is the executive director of the PA Energy Alliance.

Initial administrative funding for the coalition comes from Exelon Corp., which operates nuclear plants in Pennsylvania.

Among the most notable members of the coalition: Pete Duncan and Dave Hess, former secretaries of the Department of Environmental Protection; Forrest J. Remick, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Nuclear Engineering at Penn State University; Former Pennsylvania Gov. Mark S. Schweiker; and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.

To join the coalition or learn more about the PA Energy Alliance go to PAEnergyAlliance.com