Editor's Note

Should the Japan Nuclear Crisis Affect U.S. Energy Policy?

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March 21, 2011 RSS Feed Print
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Should the events in Japan cause the United States to change its policies on nuclear energy? The outcome there is far from certain, but critics of nuclear power have been vocal, and some countries, notably Germany, have talked about scaling back considerably. The headlines and moon-suit pictures have been scary enough. Perhaps too scary? While there is nothing good about a nuclear plant accident, even one on the scale of Chernobyl had consequences that were far from catastrophic. Supporters say Japan's problems had more to do with old designs and bad planning than the fury of nature. The issue arises just as we were coming to a rough national consensus to ramp up this dormant clean energy source. Time to pull back? I'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Tags:
energy policy and climate change,
Japan

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Well said, but everyone needs to acknowledge that adding Solar in their home is an asset that could boost the longer term worth of their property if / when they decide to sell. With the environment the way it is going we are not able to underestimate any product that offers no cost power at no cost to both the customer and more notably the earth!

JakeyM of CT 10:25PM February 15, 2013

I think we should march back to the caves - green banners flying. But I do have some worries;

1. Is it ok to have fire? I mean what about destroying trees and leaving a carbon footprint?

2. What is the eco-correct alternative to wearing skins? I find hemp rather scratchy.

3. What do we do with our poo-poo? Let it dry out for fertilizer? But that would mean planting crops and disturbing the soil and the natural plants.

4. What if rats or other crawlies invade our cave? Should we befriend them or move to another cave?

5. What is a good natural, hypoallergenic deoderant?

6. If the valley where our cave is becomes over crowded is it "natural" for us to find another valley and kill or displace those who live there - or should we simply kill our young?

7. What happens if I get a really bad toothache or an owei?

8. Is it ok if we build a beaver type damn for water storage or does a beaver have to build it in order to be natural?

9. If we find someone who's hiding metal tools should we enslave or sacrifice them to Gaia?

10. When become covered in ticks, fleas and lice is it ok if we humanely capture them and release them back into the wild, or must we allow them to feed on us as nature intended?

Welcome to our brave Green World.

R.L. Schaefer of CA 8:52PM March 21, 2011

The current Japanese event is a very sad thing. I've worked in the US nuclear industry for 25 years. My novel "Rad Decision" culminates in an event very similar to the Japanese tragedy. (Same reactor type, same initial problem - a station blackout with scram.) The book is an excellent source of perspective for the lay person -- as I've been hearing from readers. It is available free online at the moment at http://RadDecision.blogspot.com . (No adverts, nobody makes money off this site.) Reader reviews are in the homepage comments.

I believe there isn't a perfect energy solution - just options - each with their good and bad points. And we'll make better choices about our future if we first understand our energy present.

James Aach of IN 4:04PM March 21, 2011

Editor's Note

Brian Kelly was named editor of U.S.News & World Report in April 2007, nine years after joining the magazine. With more than 30 years of journalism experience, including covering Capitol Hill, politics, and the presidency both as a beat reporter and as an editor, Kelly is one of the nation’s most experienced magazine editors in steering national and international news content.

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