Obama’s move is pragmatic
Editor, The Times:
On Tuesday, the president announced $8 billion in loan guarantees and more to come for new nuclear power plants [“Obama backs first new nuke reactor in 30 years,” page one, Feb. 17].
For years, nuclear has been neglected as a viable alternative to our energy fuel mix, mostly as a result of bad publicity and poor policy. Even today, mentioning nuclear to the average American recalls images of mushroom clouds and plant meltdowns at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
In France, nuclear power supplies nearly 80 percent of all electricity consumed. Where we lag is not in terms of technology, but rather, in the laws that govern nuclear power. As an example, for years we have banned the reprocessing of nuclear waste on the grounds of proliferation but experience is proving that denying ourselves reprocessing capabilities does not prevent rogue states from pursuing nuclear weapons.
By re-engaging nuclear power, the president has once again proved he is a pragmatist committed to solving our energy challenges. As Washingtonians with cheap access to clean hydroelectricity, we shouldn’t forget that nearly half of the electricity consumed in the U.S. still comes from coal. Nuclear is not the environmental panacea we all would like, but it’s a viable first step.
— Frank Cabrera, Seattle
No, it’s hypocritical
It takes a lot of audacity to ask Iran to discontinue its nuclear program while Obama plans to build new nuclear power plants! If the shoe were on the other foot, would you do it?
By the way, how about we dump some of that “clean coal” in the West Wing of the White House along with some of the “clean” nuclear waste from these new power plants?
— Rob Moitoza, Seattle