Japan spelling end of nuclear power? Discuss.

Mrs.BoomBoom

What do you think?  No more nuclear power plants have been authorized in the US since Three Mile Island.  When Chernobyl happened, I think we looked at it and said "well, it's the Russians, they didn't do things right"  But Japan?  Japan always seems to account for everything.  They always seem so cautious, so practiced, so thoughtful.  The fact that they've probably got 3 cores melting down...do you think that will be the end of nuclear power?  Do you think it should be?

Mrs.BoomBoom

I think that despite all the problems including the potential meltdowns going on in Japan right now, Nuclear power is still one of the cleaner fuels we've got.  All the oil spills haven't shut down the oil business.  Acid rain and mining accidents haven't stopped us from using coal.  I don't think that this should shut down the nuclear power business, but I think it will really scare people. 

mrswall84

I think making energy policy after a disaster is hasty. I think nuclear power is a good idea because there have been a lot technological advances making nuclear power safer. Nuclear power should still be an option for the United States. 

hannikan

I'm certainly no expert on nuclear power but I thought what Sen. Lieberman said about it made good sense. He said that we should look over the technology and plants in use to make sure it's as safe as possible. It's always good to take stock and reassess conditions after a disaster. And it is scary to have conditions like leaks, etc... But like you mentioned there are risks with all types of power. I think of the fire caused by PG & E natural gas pipeline rupture in San Bruno, too. And from what I understand nuclear power is very clean and efficient. There are always trade-offs and we just have to weigh them against the benefits. It would be hasty to throw the baby out with the bathwater so to speak.

This article seems to give a pretty good summary of what happened:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2011/03/110314-japan-nuclear-power-plant-disaster/

anneg

here's an explanation of what's going on with their reactors from m.i.t. that is actually based on science... rather than vague, incorrect language from reporters who know jack about how nuclear reactors work.

not that i know exactly how they work, either, but i can tell they don't.  if they're gonna be reporting on it they should take the time to do it right and give people accurate information.