France could teach us a lesson

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By Gary Nelson | Thursday, May 15, 2008 9:07 PM CDT | () comments

One of the most critical issues facing our country today is the energy crisis. Our representatives in Washington have failed to create an energy plan that will meet our growing demands and free us from dependence on Middle Eastern oil.

We will need a combination of energy sources including wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and nuclear. However, except for nuclear, all of these including ethanol are inadequate to meet the rising energy demand.

Consider the fact that the U.S. generates nearly 20 percent of its electricity from nuclear power plants and has done so for over 30 years without an accident or death.

Consider that France generates nearly 80 percent of their energy needs from nuclear power plants. France also breathes cleaner air. There are risks and benefits with every form of energy, but the benefits for nuclear energy far outweigh the risks. It is produced using uranium which is readily available in huge quantities throughout the world, large deposits of uranium are located in friendly countries, primarily Canada and Australia, zero carbon emissions, and cheap operating costs.

In addition most of the waste from nuclear power plants can be recycled, thus alleviating the concern about storing it.

All of us are impacted by the lack of a viable energy plan for the future.

Gary Nelson

Coal Valley