As the United States, we need to get on the ball, and start moving with nuclear power or the industry will move on without us. Antinuclear and environmental groups have so distorted the dangers of nuclear power plants over the past thirty years, that it is difficult to compete and major contracts in 
developing nations are likely to go primarily to France and other nations with more progressive regulations that promote the technology in a safe way. Nations like India and China cannot wait 20 years for new nuclear plants to be built. The U.S. has some innovative ideas, such as new thorium reactors, but the extensive burden placed on power companies considering new power plant construction causes undue expense and long delays. This has a significant effect on how long it will take the United States to move away from fossil fuels. At the same time, we are not competing globally in a new, growing and promising industry. These things negatively affect the U.S. economy. We need to promote nuclear power now, and reformed and less stifling regulations.
While the U.S. has ratified the (CSC) convention, many other countries have not. Instead of trying to rebuild America’s nuclear industry through subsidies, market guarantees, and risk socialization, the federal government should focus on more sustainable, market-based policies, such as opening the global market place to U.S. suppliers.
Similar Posts:
- A Time for Nukes
- Support Terrestrial Energy
- Nuclear: The Other Alternative Energy Source
- Warming Up
- Nuclear Industry & Radiation: Facts & Science
Posts
Why isn’t everyone getting behind thorium nuclear?
This fuel source could safely provide all of our domestic electrical energy requirements. This summarized Washington press release proves that someone is listening:
Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah) and Harry Reid (D-NV.) recently introduced legislation that would pave the way for thorium nuclear-fuel reactors in the United States. The Thorium Energy Independence and Security Act of 2008 would establish offices at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy to regulate domestic thorium nuclear power generation and oversee possible demonstrations of thorium nuclear fuel assemblies. Using thorium for nuclear power has a number of potential benefits over conventional uranium. As a resource, thorium is abundant in the U.S. and throughout the world.
A thorium fuel rod would remain in the reactor about three times as long as conventional nuclear fuel, cutting the volume of spent nuclear fuel by as much as two-thirds. Also, thorium nuclear fuel would significantly reduce the possibility that weapons-grade material would result from the process. Finally, a thorium fuel cycle could be used to dispose of existing plutonium stockpiles, which is the national security goal.
“Our nation has focused mostly on mixed oxide nuclear fuel cycles, and our regulatory structure reflects that,� Hatch said. “With the growing interest in thorium nuclear power in the world and in the U.S., it’s time we made sure our government has a regulatory infrastructure in place to accommodate this new generation of nuclear power.� Speaking about the bill, Bruce Blair, president of the World Security Institute said, “This legislation reflects an enlightened grasp of the importance of supporting nuclear power while suppressing nuclear proliferation.
“This bill is a giant step for the United States toward the development of a safe, secure and independent energy future,� said Jack Lifton, business development and corporate communications Director of Thorium Energy Inc. (www.ThoriumEnergy.com). Thorium Energy is a resource company that owns property in Lemhi Pass, Idaho, where it is generally believed that the largest veins of thorium-rich minerals in the world are located. Analysis of the deposits shows them to be either the highest grade or in the top tier of the highest grade known anywhere on Earth.