During a recent trip to Portsmouth, NH, Hillary Clinton unveiled what her energy plan might look like if she were president. As with many “energy plans” we have seen from some Democrat hopefuls, it starts by demonizing the oil company’s and quickly moves into green initiatives. However, what stood out during the speech was Ms. Clinton’s exchange on nuclear power (excerpts from the Foster’s Daily Democrat):
“Picking up on a point from Monday night's presidential candidates' debate in South Carolina, Clinton said she's not for nuclear power and "I'm not 100 percent against it." She said there remains no plan to dispose of the waste, which prompted a young, well-dressed boy in the front row to note "the French do have some ways of recycling nuclear waste." She said that option was discarded long ago due to security concerns.”
What I found interesting was the interaction with the young man regarding the recycling of nuclear waste. 80% of Frances electricity comes from nuclear power (compared to 20% in the US). 96% of the waste matter is recycled/reused. Qiao Wu, University of Oregon, learned that the recycling process only added 6% to the total cost of the power, which is still cheaper than what the average American pays (Gazette Times - Reuse Nuclear Waste)! France also seems to be handling the security concerns on this matter rather effectively. How is it possible that France is able to manage this, and America couldn’t?
We need to become less dependant on foreign oil, but we must be prepared to embrace a more balanced approach to any possible solutions. Solar power = Too expensive, still inefficient. Wind power = "Not in my backyard (West Virginia, Massachusetts Propaganda – Kennedy’s Back Yard)," Coal = US Inventory is strong, but still burns too dirty. Biofuels = False promises (Washington Post - False Hope of Biofuels for now). Nuclear = Perceived as dangerous and dirty (Bum rap? - Nuclear Energy Industry)
Nuclear is not perfect, but to dismiss it outright like so many have done is the wrong reaction. What is frustrating is that France has achieved their nuclear program within 30 years, using an American designed reactor (Westinghouse)! America can learn from France, but also from the once aggressive anti-nuclear country of Finland (Ministry of Trade and Industry), which is moving towards more nuclear power. Unfortunately, most Americans learn about nuclear power from what the see on the Simpsons (d-uh!).
America’s energy future will continue to include oil. But for America to reduce its dependencies on foreign oil, we must not rule out any valid opportunity because of ill-conceived prejudices. Our plan must include all of the above mention energy options (including Nuclear) and energy conservation that does not hinder America’s way of life.
I applaud the young man for having the courage to address Ms. Clinton. I just wish that she had more respect to explore the conversation beyond the typical left-wing response. Liberals like to bring up France’s healthcare system as a model of efficiency (which it far from reality), but ignore their energy program, which is extremely successful, simple because nuclear power is at the core (pardon the pun) of the plan.
PBS – Frontline Discussion on France’s Attitude on Nuclear Power:
Frontline - France and Nuclear Power
“Picking up on a point from Monday night's presidential candidates' debate in South Carolina, Clinton said she's not for nuclear power and "I'm not 100 percent against it." She said there remains no plan to dispose of the waste, which prompted a young, well-dressed boy in the front row to note "the French do have some ways of recycling nuclear waste." She said that option was discarded long ago due to security concerns.”
What I found interesting was the interaction with the young man regarding the recycling of nuclear waste. 80% of Frances electricity comes from nuclear power (compared to 20% in the US). 96% of the waste matter is recycled/reused. Qiao Wu, University of Oregon, learned that the recycling process only added 6% to the total cost of the power, which is still cheaper than what the average American pays (Gazette Times - Reuse Nuclear Waste)! France also seems to be handling the security concerns on this matter rather effectively. How is it possible that France is able to manage this, and America couldn’t?
We need to become less dependant on foreign oil, but we must be prepared to embrace a more balanced approach to any possible solutions. Solar power = Too expensive, still inefficient. Wind power = "Not in my backyard (West Virginia, Massachusetts Propaganda – Kennedy’s Back Yard)," Coal = US Inventory is strong, but still burns too dirty. Biofuels = False promises (Washington Post - False Hope of Biofuels for now). Nuclear = Perceived as dangerous and dirty (Bum rap? - Nuclear Energy Industry)
Nuclear is not perfect, but to dismiss it outright like so many have done is the wrong reaction. What is frustrating is that France has achieved their nuclear program within 30 years, using an American designed reactor (Westinghouse)! America can learn from France, but also from the once aggressive anti-nuclear country of Finland (Ministry of Trade and Industry), which is moving towards more nuclear power. Unfortunately, most Americans learn about nuclear power from what the see on the Simpsons (d-uh!).
America’s energy future will continue to include oil. But for America to reduce its dependencies on foreign oil, we must not rule out any valid opportunity because of ill-conceived prejudices. Our plan must include all of the above mention energy options (including Nuclear) and energy conservation that does not hinder America’s way of life.
I applaud the young man for having the courage to address Ms. Clinton. I just wish that she had more respect to explore the conversation beyond the typical left-wing response. Liberals like to bring up France’s healthcare system as a model of efficiency (which it far from reality), but ignore their energy program, which is extremely successful, simple because nuclear power is at the core (pardon the pun) of the plan.
PBS – Frontline Discussion on France’s Attitude on Nuclear Power:
Frontline - France and Nuclear Power
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