In this way, we expect to meet the challenge of the changing economic environment for nuclear power in the U.S. and to assure that our licensees maintain a vigilant approach to nuclear safety. We could not accomplish our objectives, however, without the participation of our international partners. As each of you is well aware, nuclear technology is international in scope. Over 400 nuclear power plants are now operating in more than thirty nations, supplying about one-sixth of the world's electricity. Regulation, construction, and ownership all have international components.
Regulators leverage research money through joint international activities.
Construction consortia, drawn from multiple countries, build the plants. And, foreign ownership of plants, while often limited by national laws, is becoming more common. But there is a vital need for international cooperation to ensure that safety is the fundamental consideration in the use of nuclear technology. As we have all experienced, a nuclear accident anywhere has consequences that transcend national borders. In my view the prospects are excellent, and are visible in every aspect of our respective nuclear programs.