Wants more information on relationship, as well as integrity of loan program that funds nuclear power plant construction

Washington (August 10, 2018) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, this week called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide more information about a nuclear power plant project backed by a major donor to President Donald Trump. A Wall Street Journal story has revealed that Trump donor Franklin Haney agreed to pay the president’s then-personal attorney Michael Cohen $10 million if he successfully helped obtain funding for the partially constructed Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in Alabama. The loan application for the project is reportedly still pending before DOE. Senator Markey asks Energy Secretary Rick Perry in a letter to explain when he became aware that Mr. Cohen contacted DOE about the Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant application, as well as to confirm reporting that he and Mr. Cohen hadn’t communicated about Bellefonte.

“Whatever the legal and ethical implications of the so-called ‘success fee’ arrangement between Mr. Haney and Mr. Cohen, serious questions must be answered about the DOE loan approval process for nuclear power plants,” writes Senator Markey.

A copy of Senator Markey’s letter can be found HERE.

In the letter, Senator Markey asks the Department of Energy to provide a copy of the loan application submitted by Mr. Haney or Nuclear Development LLC, as well as any Energy Department evaluation documents, including the status of the loan application. Senator Markey also requests any communications between Mr. Cohen and DOE related to the Bellefonte project.  

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