Why Not Say YES to Nuclear?

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When evaluating our nation’s current energy needs and sustainability, there are many forms of energy that we currently employ. There are several pros and cons of every energy source, but an evaluation and discussion of a large share of the United States energy production is necessary. When examining nuclear energy one only need to examine the unparalleled cleanliness and efficiency, the stellar safety record, and excellent economic benefits to realize its potential as a major source of energy production for the United Sates. First, nuclear energy is the cleanest and most efficient of the major energy producers (Coal, natural gas, nuclear). “One Uranium fuel pellet has the equivalent energy to 1,780 pounds of coal and 17,000 Ft3 of natural gas” (Nuclear Energy Institute). Also, during plant operation the production of harmful greenhouse gases is very limited. “Nuclear Power plants do not emit carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, or nitrogen oxides as part of the power generation process” (EPA). Furthermore, all of the used fuel from all of the operation reactors in the world would consume a minute space as compared to the coal ash sites littered across the United States. In fact, “Over the past four decades, the entire industry has produced about 69,720 metric tons of used nuclear fuel. If used fuel assemblies were stacked end-to-end and side-by-side, this would cover a football field about seven yards deep” (Nuclear Energy Institute). The data shows that there is a lot of energy gathered from a small amount of fuel, and the overall environmental cost is lower with nuclear energy. However, the mining process has been brought into question regarding the overall lifecycle cleanliness of nuclear power. Some might make the case that the mi... ... middle of paper ... ... assurance process in nuclear power technology manufacturing is highly focused, the manufacturing of the technology requires great attention to detail, thus raising the price and value of these goods. This benefits the economies of businesses as well as provides tax revenue for governments. In conclusion, after examining the cleanliness and efficiency, safety, and economic benefits of nuclear power it is within the United States best interest to continue to develop now nuclear technology. It is also clear that nuclear power should maintain its major share in the national energy portfolio for long term energy sustainability. Works Cited EPA. Clean Energy. 22 October 2013. Web. 5 April 2014. Nuclear Energy Institute. Knowledge Center. N.D. Web. 4 April 2014. Post, Willem. Deaths from Nuclear Energy Compared with Other Causes. 26 Febuary 2013. Web. 5 April 2014.

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