Comment (52) of Nathan Hagedorn on FR Doc # 2026-08155, NRC-2025-2161-0007, from Nathan Hagedorn

To the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission: My name is Nathan Hagedorn, and I am writing in support of Duke Energy's Early Site Permit application for potential new nuclear development near the Belews Creek Steam Station. I moved to Stokes County, N.C., from Missouri 13 years ago and have worked at the Belews Creek Steam Station ever since, serving as an operations supervisor. Throughout my career, Duke Energy has provided opportunities that have changed my life and allowed me to build a future for my family. I am proud to work for a company that is committed to providing reliable energy and investing in my local community. My interest in nuclear energy started before I joined Duke Energy. I attended technical school and completed an internship at a nuclear power plant, where I gained firsthand experience with the industry. Since then, I have remained passionate about nuclear energy because it provides clean, reliable, around-the-clock power that is essential to meeting our company’s and our nation's growing energy needs. The possibility of bringing new nuclear generation to the Belews Creek site is exciting to me both professionally and personally. Professionally, I hope to continue my career with Duke Energy for many years to come, and the opportunity to support the development, operations and long-term success of new nuclear units would be a dream come true. Personally, my wife is from Walnut Cove. She is an elementary school teacher, and we have two young children. When we think about our future, it’s here in Stokes County. Beyond the clean energy benefits, I believe new nuclear development would have a tremendous positive impact on our community. I grew up in a small town and understand the difference that good-paying jobs can make for working families. Projects like this create careers, attract investment, support local businesses and generate tax revenue that benefits schools, infrastructure and public services. This nuclear project would provide opportunities for people who want to build a successful career close to home. As someone who has dedicated more than a decade to operating the Belews Creek Steam Station safely and reliably, I am confident that Duke Energy will approach this project with the same commitment to safety, environmental stewardship and operational excellence that I have experienced throughout my career. For these reasons, I respectfully support the Early Site Permit application and encourage the NRC to approve this important project. Sincerely, Nathan Hagedorn Operations Supervisor Belews Creek Steam Station