Nuclear energy

motivez · 01-30-2010, 08:11 PM

So, who caught this in the state of the union and also in his comments with Republicans?

It's been way too long since we've built a new nuclear power plant, and I think if the liberals in France can get over it and use nuclear power to their advantage, there's no reason the environmentalists here can't either....

While a solution for the waste is needed, the fact remains that it's a much cleaner source of energy than "clean coal" (which is a myth), or even things like hybrid cars running off electricity generated by things like coal power plants..

Is there any rational (not political) reason to oppose the creation of new nuclear power plants?

The only one I can really think of is that they make a nice target for terrorists, but I don't think that should deter us from securing our energy future. I think a lot of people (irrationally) will be against one if it's being built in "their backyard" .. but I don't think that's a good enough reason.

Donkey® · 01-31-2010, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by motivez

So, who caught this in the state of the union and also in his comments with Republicans?

It's been way too long since we've built a new nuclear power plant, and I think if the liberals in France can get over it and use nuclear power to their advantage, there's no reason the environmentalists here can't either....

While a solution for the waste is needed, the fact remains that it's a much cleaner source of energy than "clean coal" (which is a myth), or even things like hybrid cars running off electricity generated by things like coal power plants..

Is there any rational (not political) reason to oppose the creation of new nuclear power plants?

The only one I can really think of is that they make a nice target for terrorists, but I don't think that should deter us from securing our energy future. I think a lot of people (irrationally) will be against one if it's being built in "their backyard" .. but I don't think that's a good enough reason.

I keep hearing about people wanting to build more plants (on both sides of the aisle) yet I have yet to see any actually built in a long time.

JaJae · 01-31-2010, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by Donkey®

I keep hearing about people wanting to build more plants (on both sides of the aisle) yet I have yet to see any actually built in a long time.

They can't get them off the ground due to environmentalist and local pressure. There's a lot of "not in my backyard" mentality regarding nuclear power plants. A lot of states even have bans on nuclear power and it's hard to get it overturned.

The Esteemed Gentleman · 01-31-2010, 03:56 PM

Originally Posted by Donkey®

I keep hearing about people wanting to build more plants (on both sides of the aisle) yet I have yet to see any actually built in a long time.

I was going to make JaJae's point- NIMBYism + environmentalist outrage X doomsday meltdown hysteria = no new construction.

Pro Street · 01-31-2010, 11:20 PM

Originally Posted by The Esteemed Gentleman

I was going to make JaJae's point- NIMBYism + environmentalist outrage X doomsday meltdown hysteria = no new construction.

This, pretty much. throw in the costs and the build time (someone told me once it's about a decade to become fully operational?)

Some states, like WV, PA, and others have a HUGE opposition due to other resources' lobbies being strong in the area.

I live about 30mi from the nearest nuclear plant, and never had any worries. In fact the lake that borders it is a popular local attraction and most are ignorant to the fact that there's one there.

motivez · 01-31-2010, 11:54 PM

Holy crap it's Pro Street

I thought we had a zombie thread for a second!

DosEquis · 02-01-2010, 03:46 PM

Problem is... safe storage or not... people don't want the waste in their states.

The Esteemed Gentleman · 02-01-2010, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

Problem is... safe storage or not... people don't want the waste in their states.

But they are okay with coal and oil caused smog, etc. It'll all kill us, just in different ways I suppose. I guess people just don't like the idea of a meltdown doing it more quickly.

DosEquis · 02-01-2010, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by The Esteemed Gentleman

But they are okay with coal and oil caused smog, etc. It'll all kill us, just in different ways I suppose. I guess people just don't like the idea of a meltdown doing it more quickly.

Its slower. People do smoke cigarettes too...

Radiant is quickly and more obvious. I am not sure many people claim the general public is smart..

The Esteemed Gentleman · 02-01-2010, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by DosEquis

Its slower. People do smoke cigarettes too...Radiant is quickly and more obvious.

Yeah but the waste won't harm anyone unless there is a disaster of epic proportions. Coal and oil (or cigarettes) do harm as part of their standard modus operandi.

Originally Posted by DosEquis

I am not sure many people claim the general public is smart..

Truth be told, I have mixed feelings on this issue. I really can't decide. Every time I make up my mind in favor of your assertion, they do something that really rallies my faith in them. Of course, they almost immediately squander it soon thereafter, but the momentary flashes of brilliance keeps the idealist in my alive.

02-01-2010, 11:07 PM

Nuclear power would be fantastic and we can reuse what was once waste numerous times in the power generation process with today's reactors.

I think we should set clear and attainable goals with regard to nuclear energy and if people dont want them by their houses, maybe we spend some money on new grid infrastructure to put these things out in places like the texas/ok panhandles where you can literally drive for miles upon miles and see no homes. People may have to drive 10, 15 or 20 miles to work but nuke power plant employees get compensated nicely and most would drive without any hesitation.

The fact is we need to tap all of our energy resources in the coming decades in order to keep energy affordable. It also takes 7 to 10 years to build a plant, so lets start now.