In the age of terrorism, nuclear reactors are inviting targets. Now Congressman Pearce is foolishly pushing for nuclear reactors in New Mexico in his new TV spot. By the way Mr. Pearce where are we going to put all the nuclear waste and what happens when radioactive elements accidentally leaks into our underground water systems?
Congressman Pearce should read a 2003 MIT study, "The Future of Nuclear Energy," that concluded: "The prospects for nuclear energy as an option are limited" by many "unresolved problems," of which "high relative cost" is only one. Others include environment, safety and health issues, nuclear proliferation concerns, and the challenge of long-term waste management". The Wall Street Journal recently stated that "A new generation of nuclear power plants is on the drawing boards in the U.S., but the projected cost is causing some sticker shock: $5 billion to $12 billion a plant, double to quadruple earlier rough estimates". Obviously Mr. Pearce has not read these documents.
Also There has been leaking tritium - a radioactive isotope of hydrogen - into the groundwater of areas surrounding nuclear plants. Leaks have occurred at the Braidwood, Byron, and Dresden reactors in Illinois, the Palo Verde reactors in Arizona, and the Indian Point nuclear plant near New York City. I am sure Congressman Pearce knows nothing about this! This is a foolhardy venture when we can invest less money in wind and solar power - a more balanced approach. A truly informed national debate about nuclear power is long over-due. Time is short. The nuclear waste legacy will impact all future generations.
hemingway
· 1 year ago
Pennsylvania is planning the second-largest solar power plant in the nation. Yesterday, state officials announced a $65 million solar project in one of Carbon County's oldest mining towns, Nesquehoning. It would generate 10.6 megawatts of power, enough to increase the state's current solar output by a factor of 10 and provide electricity for 1,450 households. Why can't we get this in the sunny New Mexico. Nuclear reactors cost $12 billion dollars. Mr. Pearce do you have any ideas?
All Comments
Congressman Pearce should read a 2003 MIT study, "The Future of Nuclear Energy," that concluded: "The prospects for nuclear energy as an option are limited" by many "unresolved problems," of which "high relative cost" is only one. Others include environment, safety and health issues, nuclear proliferation concerns, and the challenge of long-term waste management". The Wall Street Journal recently stated that "A new generation of nuclear power plants is on the drawing boards in the U.S., but the projected cost is causing some sticker shock: $5 billion to $12 billion a plant, double to quadruple earlier rough estimates". Obviously Mr. Pearce has not read these documents.
Also There has been leaking tritium - a radioactive isotope of hydrogen - into the groundwater of areas surrounding nuclear plants. Leaks have occurred at the Braidwood, Byron, and Dresden reactors in Illinois, the Palo Verde reactors in Arizona, and the Indian Point nuclear plant near New York City. I am sure Congressman Pearce knows nothing about this! This is a foolhardy venture when we can invest less money in wind and solar power - a more balanced approach. A truly informed national debate about nuclear power is long over-due. Time is short. The nuclear waste legacy will impact all future generations.