Nuclear Power – Part of the Solution

Nuclear Power – Safe, Clean, and Efficient Electricity

Despite the controversy which often surrounds nuclear power, it remains a vital part of the solution in generating safe, clean, and efficient electricity:

• Among its many environmental friendly attributes, nuclear power produces no controlled air pollutants or greenhouse gases, contributing to clean air, addressing concerns around climate change and preventing acid rain. In summary, it represents the largest source of emission-free energy.
• Combined with fuel cell technology, nuclear power reduces U.S. dependency on foreign oil, thereby significantly contributing to national security.
  

  Nuclear Power Station

• With respect to safety, over the past 40 years there have been no fatalities reported in the U.S. attributed to the operation of a nuclear plant. This is particularly significant in recognizing nuclear power represents 20 percent of the electricity generated in the U.S.
• Only 2,000 tons of solid waste is generated annually from the unclear power industry (as compared to 100 million tons of ash and sludge laced with mercury and nitric oxide from coal-fired plants; and with the proper use of technology, much of this solid waste can be reprocessed into reusable nuclear fuel.

 

Public Outreach and Education Required

A comprehensive public outreach and education program is necessary to ensure American citizens recognize the role nuclear energy must play as part of a comprehensive solution to the challenges of dependency on oil, the need to reduce environmental emissions, and the elimination of toxic waste.

Click here for an introduction to nuclear power.