Some Call Nuclear Energy Key to Solving Climate Legislation

The pivotal card that Democrats are looking to play in the debate on addressing climate change legislatively is increasingly looking to be nuclear energy -- should it be considered a component of the green package, the Associated Press reported.

Wrote the AP: "Nuclear power still faces daunting challenges, including the fate of highly radioactive reactor waste. Reactors remain a tempting target for terrorists, requiring ever vigilant security measures. But 104 power reactors in 31 states provide one-fifth of the nation's electricity. They also are producing 70 percent of essentially carbon-free power and are devoid of greenhouse gas emissions."Marvin Fertel, president of Nuclear Energy Institute, was quoted as saying: "If you want to address climate change and produce electricity, nuclear has got to be a significant part of the equation."

Added the AP: "Not unexpected from a top industry lobbyist. But the same is heard from Republicans and Democrats in Congress, from a growing number of environmentalists and from the White House, where nuclear power otherwise has received tepid support." Jason Grumet, executive director of the National Commission on Energy Policy, was quoted as saying: "Nuclear power is pivotal to both a low carbon economy and to generate a bipartisan coalition to pass a carbon cap."

- Associated Press via the Washington Post, Oct. 25.