The Need for Nuclear Energy in America
The Anti-Science History of Nuclear Energy in America
It is no secret that many Americans, especially those in the older generation, oppose nuclear power due to fears of accidents like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. However, this fear has also been perpetuated by political efforts to undermine nuclear energy. Democrats succeeded in gutting nuclear energy in America three decades ago by invoking the Precautionary Principle, claiming any risk was too great. Even more surprisingly, politicians cheered when Senator John Kerry and President Bill Clinton declared that any nuclear energy research could lead to a nuclear bomb. This marked the capstone of a 30-year effort to undermine nuclear power in America with politicians, their supporters, and allies in corporate media. As a result, America had to use more coal and create more CO2 emissions, essentially causing the climate change they blame on natural gas.
The Potential of Nuclear Energy
In recent years, the potential of nuclear energy has become increasingly apparent. Nuclear energy has the potential to be the most inexpensive and efficient source of clean energy in the world. It is also a low-carbon source of energy that can help fight climate change. Nuclear energy can provide baseload power around the clock, which is critical for communities around the world that do not have access to reliable power.
Political Implications
Many conservatives in Europe have embraced nuclear energy and made significant strides in this field, leaving the United States behind. However, political implications also exist. Democrats, who are traditionally anti-nuclear, could cause the Republican party to fracture if they switch to being pro-nuclear, in the way that they recently switched from being anti-vax. A rare feat of bipartisan agreement recently saw the Senate pass the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, with 88 for and 2 against. As the bill comes into place, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will receive more funding and unqualified activists will no longer be placed in charge.
The Future of Clean Energy
If President Biden can resist tinkering with nuclear energy, he can become the Chief Executive who makes clean, affordable energy a reality in America. He can dispel the myth that nuclear energy is dangerous and instead work towards creating a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future through nuclear energy. Nuclear energy can transform America’s energy landscape, creating a better future not just for those in need of reliable power now but for generations to come.
Conclusion
Nuclear energy poses great potential for clean, affordable, and reliable energy in America. It is time to dispel the myths, fears, and political biases that have prevented its growth and development for so many years. It is time to embrace nuclear energy as one of the most inexpensive and efficient sources of clean energy in the world.
Long-Tail Keywords:
- nuclear power
- clean energy
- reliable power
- baseload power
- low-carbon energy
- climate change
Originally Post From https://www.science20.com/hank_campbell/sen_sanders_still_opposes_nuclear_energy_but_the_american_science_community_marches_on-257101
Read more about this topic at
How Fringe Anti-Science Views Infiltrated Mainstream Politics
Ideological predictors of anti-science attitudes