Nuclear Power: Now’s the time

I’ve seen nuclear power plants in several states and often wondered just how much of our power comes from the controversial source. One such plant stands out in my memory; far out in the Arkansas countryside, surrounded by wooded hills and a deep river, the instantly recognizable cooling tower caught my eye. It made me wonder, why is nuclear energy so controversial anyway? I have to admit, the scene that day was idyllic. It didn’t match at all the way nuclear power has traditionally been portrayed in the movies or on TV. What I saw was a prosperous area full of people a mere stone’s throw from the plant. I’m talking about boaters and skiers literally in the shadow of those cooling towers. In the course of my research I found that I had some misconceptions about nuclear power and that the industry just might come back to life here in the United States. I learned that about 20% of our electricity is derived from nuclear reactors. I’ve come to believe that nuclear needs to play an even larger part in our energy mix along with wind and other technologies; it’s safer than ever and cleaner by far than coal or natural gas. Even with the challenges of radioactive waste and high capital cost, nuclear has a place in U.S. energy production.

Those opposed to nuclear power are likely to believe that it’s just not safe. There’ve been exactly no deaths or serious injury from radiation exposure at a nuclear power plant anywhere in the United States. Sure, some of us might recall an incident referred to simply as “Three Mile Island (TMI)” that happened back in 1979, but that seems to have been greatly overhyped to me now. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the governing body in the United States which oversees all nuclear energy activities, i...

... middle of paper ...

... Schulz, M., & Smith, B. (2006). Nuclear power: both sides. The Wilson Quarterly, 30(4), 59+. Retrieved October 9, 2011 from Opposing Viewpoints in Context.

Richburg, K.B. (2011, March 16). Guessing is underway about nuclear power's feasibility. The Washington Post, A14. Retrieved October 09, 2011, from LexisNexis Academic.

Sharpe,V. (2008). "Clean" Nuclear Energy?. Hastings Center Report, 38(4), p. 16-18. Retrieved October 9, 2011 from Opposing Viewpoints in Context.

Wald, M. (2005, December 27). Scientists try to resolve nuclear problem with an old technology made new again. The New York Times, section F. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from LexisNexis Academic.

Wald, M. (2009, September 24). U.S. panel shifts focus to reusing nuclear fuel. The New York Times, Section A, p. 24. Retrieved October 9, 2011, from LexisNexis Academic.