Nuclear Power Plants Are Coming!

Posted by Holly Martin Sep 25, 2007

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides tax credits and loan guarantees, along with streamlined application procedures, to companies who want to build or expand nuclear facilities. These perks are part of an effort to decrease the U.S. reliance on foreign oil, and to reduce greenhouse gases produced by power plants that burn coal and gas.

There's no doubt we need to increase our domestic electrical capacity, and most people agree we must reduce CO2 emissions.

But, after 30 years' hiatus, will today's nuclear power plants be safer and more efficient? Has the U.S. nuclear industry found a way to either re-process (re-use) or dispose of the long-term hazardous nuclear wastes that will be generated?

Let us hope that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has the answers.