passage 3
in the early days of nuclear power, the united states made money on it. but today opponents have so complicated its development that no nuclear plants have been ordered or built here in 12 years.
the greatest fear of nuclear power opponents has always been a reactor “meltdown”. today, the chances of a meltdown that would threaten u.s. public health are testing new reactors that rely not on human judgment to shut them down but on the laws of nature. now general electric is already building two advanced reactors in japan. but don't expect them even on u.s. shores unless things change in washington.
the procedure for licensing nuclear power plants is a bad dream. any time during, or even after, construction, an objection by any group or individual can bring everything to a halt while the matter is investigated or taken to court. meanwhile, the builder must add nicebutnotnecessary improvements, some of which force him to knock down walls and start over. in every case when a plant has been opposed, the nuclear regulation commission has ultimately granted a license to construct or operate. but the victory often costs so much that the utility ends up abandoning the plant anyway.
in the early days of nuclear power, the united states made money on it. but today opponents have so complicated its development that no nuclear plants have been ordered or built here in 12 years.
the greatest fear of nuclear power opponents has always been a reactor “meltdown”. today, the chances of a meltdown that would threaten u.s. public health are testing new reactors that rely not on human judgment to shut them down but on the laws of nature. now general electric is already building two advanced reactors in japan. but don't expect them even on u.s. shores unless things change in washington.
the procedure for licensing nuclear power plants is a bad dream. any time during, or even after, construction, an objection by any group or individual can bring everything to a halt while the matter is investigated or taken to court. meanwhile, the builder must add nicebutnotnecessary improvements, some of which force him to knock down walls and start over. in every case when a plant has been opposed, the nuclear regulation commission has ultimately granted a license to construct or operate. but the victory often costs so much that the utility ends up abandoning the plant anyway.