Nuclear energy safest source of power in US

A letter writer is correct to point out that our present situation vis-a-vis global warming would be much better had we gone ahead with the plans to build out nuclear power generation, but a strange confluence of events prevented the realization of that plan (“Sees irony in opposing nuclear power,” May 18).

On March 16, 1979, the movie “The China Syndrome” was released, and on March 28, 1979, the incident at Three Mile Island took place. Together these events created a powerful synergy that ultimately meant the rejection of nuclear energy in most people’s minds. And please remember that in 1979 the threat of a nuclear exchange with Russia was a serious worry.

OK, that was then, but now we find ourselves looking at the operating record of all forms of power in the United States. Nuclear power is by far the safest, according to the facts. It emits zero carbon dioxide and it is the only power source that is mandated by law to store all of its waste material, rather than releasing it into the environment as do coal and gas.

Three Mile Island triggered a complete review and upgrading of safety procedures, which has served us well. Also, in the years that have followed, nuclear engineers have come up with designs for small modular reactors that are both versatile and can be built for far less money. And best of all, there is the thorium reactor that can utilize nuclear waste as part of its fuel stream, among other advantages.

It is time for us to waken from our dogmatic slumbers as regards the feasibility of nuclear power.

It is obvious that our efforts to create a grid powered by sun and wind that could feed the voracious energy appetite of a modern society just isn’t in the cards, if our experience here in Massachusetts is any guide.

Tom Baker

Amherst

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