Attorney General John Ashcroft has recommended that all nuclear plants be placed at their highest security level because of recent military actions in Afghanistan and the threat of future attack.

As part of an effort to strengthen TVA security, the Federal Aviation Administration has asked that all air transportation avoid flying over TVA nuclear plants. This requirement is working extremely well. Nuclear security personnel are watching the air space over and near all nuclear power plants across the United States and reporting all inappropriate sightings immediately to authorities.

As soon as a sighting is reported, the military sends military aircraft to check it out. I am told that in the few false alarms that have occurred, military aircraft response was instantaneous. While I cannot share classified information, I can tell you that I am very encouraged by the new procedures and security now in place.