U.S. Should Bring an End to the Nuclear Era

The author has over two decades of nuclear activist experience? That tells me ZERO about his qualifications - which explains his thin arguments.

I can't figure out why the enviros think the economic argument is a winner for them? Apart from being patently false, wouldn't it mean that if someone, anyone, comes along and thinks it is NOT too expensive, they can build the plant and Greenpeace would support it? After all, Greenpeace isn't paying for it.

If these folks were cardiologists, they would recommend removing everyone's heart to cut down on the rate of heart attacks.

"Toxic legacy?" Have you noticed what your Prius' battery is made of? Where will you dispose of that?

As for a terrorist threat, this argument shows you know little of nuclear physics or the security surrounding nuclear plants.

Carbon-free sources of energy are the goal. Nuclear fits the bill. Your fear shouldn't get in the way of progress - and it is one reason we aren't more advanced in nuclear technology, even SAFER, nuclear technology, then we could be.

Thanks.

Jack Fate of CA 11:41PM February 06, 2012

The emotional response that comes from a significant reactor accident should motivate us to think about nuclear as a energy source. The response should be rational, however. The issue is a combination of the potential for a significant accident and with our failure to deal with the waste. The images from Japan are bleak. These images and the stockpile of spent fuel at our operating reactors represents a lack of understanding of the technology. This inability to do what is necessary will be our undoing.

Gordon Goodall of TN 3:35PM February 06, 2012

nuclear power is too dangerous and too expensive and we the people have to pay the bill even for new plants that never get completed. We are still on the hook. Most of all the answer is no because there is no place for nuclear waste that we have already produced. We need to stop making more unless we have a plan to protect our descendants in perpetuity from this deadly source of pollution that we have created.

Gwen DuBois MD; MPH of MD 11:16AM February 04, 2012

LEARN TO LOVE NUCLEAR ENERGY - LOSE THE FEAR

FYI - In the Pacific, more than 125 nuclear bombs and devices were exploded, under the sea and above ground, by the United States, England and France between 1945 and 1962. Entire fleets of ships were sunk - all were full of fuel oil and other chemicals as well - but I suppose that's a separate eco-worry. Anyway, all that radiation was released relatively close to Hawaii - no ill effects were noted in the "Aloha State" or the West Coast.

France detonated more than 40 devices in the Sahara desert from 1956 through 1962.

At Novaya Zemlya, Russia preformed over 50 underwater and atmospheric nuclear tests between 1955 and 1963. Among these were the largest nuclear blasts on record.

Between 1951 and 1962 approximately 100, "above ground", nuclear bombs were detonated in the Nevada desert. These "tests" were conducted approximately 65 miles from Las Vegas and less than 100 miles, "up wind", of St. George Utah.

The shock wave could be felt on the streets of Las Vegas. The incidence of various cancers were greatly increased in the area - and are still slightly increased.

That said, it must be stressed that these intense "explosive" exposures were at ranges of under 100 miles. The low level radioactive release from Japanese power plants were mostly free of particulates and released at low altitudes.

At this juncture it's important to note that windmills, solar panels or fairy-dust are not going to do the job. We need to utilize everything; coal, shale, natural gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, oil and hydrogen

From 1970 to present wind energy has claimed the lives of 35 American workers, and caused dozens of wild fires. Tens of thousands of birds and animals have been killed. The whirling blades have killed over 20 eagles in California alone. - Nuclear energy has killed no humans or animals in America. Now, consider that nuclear produces 17%> of our energy needs - wind <2%. Also, each year, worldwide thousands die from electricity, fire, natural gas, mine and dam disasters.

We haven't built a nuclear plant since 1966 - I don't know about you, but I'm thinkin' we've moved ahead technologically (though not musically) since The Temptations released, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg".

We need to drill more offshore too. Check out studies done by U.C. Santa Barbara (not some right wing think tank). Anyway, they found that "natural seepage is the primary cause of oil pollution in the sea, and that oil drilling actually relieves the pressure under the seabed and prevents "natural seepage". Greenies are never gonna tell you that.

Remember how the eviros squealed about the Gulf Spill? They said it would take the ecosystem "more than a hundred years to recover."

At the time, I pointed out that warm water and bacteria would handle the issue quite quickly - I love being right.

It's time to say, "enough" to the State Religion of Environmentalism. Its theology is destroying America.

Going Green Has Gone Too Far

R.L. Schaefer of CA 9:59PM February 03, 2012