There's a lot of talk now about nuclear energy, especially following the 40th anniversary of the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island, 40 years ago this week.

We've learned nuclear power remains a big part of Pennsylvania's energy plans.

There are plans to close nuclear power plants in the near future, unless state lawmakers step up financial support for the facilities.

Erie News Now we spoke with Dr. Arthur Motta, via Skype He’s chair of the nuclear engineering program at Penn State University.

He says nuclear power is crucial in providing electricity in the United States, “It provides 20% of the electricity in the United States and is in fact the largest provider of non-carbon emitting, non-greenhouse gas emitting technology that we have. And it's essential, if we close down nuclear plants, emissions are going to go up for sure, because they are going to replace that with fossil fuels,” said Dr. Motta.

Motta says he believes the nuclear industry in Pennsylvania is worth saving, “It is crucial to have these plants online because of the environmental benefit that they provide, and it's a really a national asset of clean energy that we need to preserve for future generations.”

Click here to learn more information about nuclear power in Pennsylvania.