Article
Bush right to seek renewed emphasis on nuclear energy
Daily and Sunday Review |Editorial Staff|May 30, 2006
The debate was put into a proper perspective by the Times-Tribune newspaper in Scranton., which wrote: “America’s future as a world power and leading economy will be determined largely by its ability to meet the increasing demand for energy, while weaning itself from foreign oil and protecting the environment.
The debate was put into a proper perspective by the Times-Tribune newspaper in Scranton., which wrote: “America’s future as a world power and leading economy will be determined largely by its ability to meet the increasing demand for energy, while weaning itself from foreign oil and protecting the environment.
Associated Press news item: Calling nuclear power an overregulated industry that needs a jump-start from Washington, President Bush on Wednesday pitched his plan to expand nuclear power generation by dealing with radioactive waste, lessening regulations and reviving nuclear fuel processing. The backdrop for the president’s effort was the Limerick Generating Station, a nuclear plant about 40 miles from Philadelphia. Bush, the AP reported, argued that nuclear power is abundant, affordable, safe and clean.
He is exactly right.
His promotion of nuclear energy recalls a speech he made almost a year ago, when at speech at a nuclear plant in Maryland. He said, “In the 21st century, our nation will need more electricity -- more safe, clean, …
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Associated Press news item: Calling nuclear power an overregulated industry that needs a jump-start from Washington, President Bush on Wednesday pitched his plan to expand nuclear power generation by dealing with radioactive waste, lessening regulations and reviving nuclear fuel processing. The backdrop for the president’s effort was the Limerick Generating Station, a nuclear plant about 40 miles from Philadelphia. Bush, the AP reported, argued that nuclear power is abundant, affordable, safe and clean.
He is exactly right.
His promotion of nuclear energy recalls a speech he made almost a year ago, when at speech at a nuclear plant in Maryland. He said, “In the 21st century, our nation will need more electricity -- more safe, clean, reliable electricity. It is time for this country to start building nuclear power plants again.”
We agree.
Some environmentalists have abandoned their opposition to nuclear power, arguing it is needed to address climate change because reactors do not produce “greenhouse” gases as do fossil fuels. Other environmentalists are not convinced, citing worries about reactor waste and safety.
As Thomas B. Cochran, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s nuclear program, was quoted in an AP dispatch, “The debate needs to fully address such vital issues as the exorbitant cost of building new nuclear facilities, the potential proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the disposal of radioactive wastes.”
The debate was put into a proper perspective by the Times-Tribune newspaper in Scranton., which wrote:
“America’s future as a world power and leading economy will be determined largely by its ability to meet the increasing demand for energy, while weaning itself from foreign oil and protecting the environment.
There is no single answer. There are, rather, many interconnected elements to energy independence, greater power production and cleaner air. Production of “plug-in” hybrid vehicle engines to reduce oil consumption, for example, will result in a much greater demand for electricity. Producing that power primarily by coal would reduce any environmental benefits of reduced gasoline use, while alternatives such as wind and solar generation are not capable of meeting the increased demand.
“As the country ponders the energy equation for the future, it is clear that increased nuclear power production has to be a part of it.
“Leading environmentalists — most notably Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore — now recognize the value of nuclear generation in producing large amounts of power without producing air pollution. And new reactor designs promise greater safety.
“The principal issue is safe disposal of nuclear waste.
“President Bush, who renewed his call for greater nuclear generation, should focus on accelerating research efforts aimed at reusing spent nuclear fuel, which would have the added advantage of preventing its conversion for weapon use. And, he should aggressively lead an effort to finally open the repository for spent fuel in Nevada.
“The nation must use all aspects of its technological prowess to develop a diversified energy base — the means to ensure economic and national security far into the future. Because of the sheer amount of energy that can be produced, at minimal environmental cost, nuclear power must be part of that base.”
Bush also touts a range of ways he wants to make America less dependent on hydrocarbons, including promoting ethanol-, hydrogen- and battery-powered cars, clean-coal technology, wind and solar power and liquefied natural gas.
All have potential and all deserve to be examined seriously.