Future Perspectives on Nuclear Issues

• Published in: Policy File 1997
• Main Author: Domenici, Pete V
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arms control & disarmament; Consumers; Energy; Environment; National Academy of Sciences; Science/Technology/Public policy

In the United States, we've traditionally optimized new advanced technologies to serve our nation's needs; this has helped us craft an impressive economy and quality of life. With nuclear technologies, we have not followed this pattern. With only a few exceptions such as nuclear medicine, we have done a poor job of evaluating nuclear technologies, addressing real risks, and optimizing benefits. Instead, we worry about our dependence on fossil fuels and increasing oil imports, but we don't use advanced nuclear energy systems that we've licensed and are selling overseas. Many environmentalists who want to reduce carbon emissions don't want to consider nuclear power. We may worry about excessive stockpiles of nuclear weapons, but as we dismantle our own weapons, we store the complex classified components that would allow us to rapidly rebuild weapons. Some who are concerned about the dangers of nuclear waste oppose efforts to move the waste from power plants to a more remote and secure location or to explore systems that enable far better management of waste issues. We have consumer groups concerned about food safety that accept bacterial contamination of food instead of supporting irradiation of food supplies. In a world of increasing global competition, we can't afford to accept these contradictions. We can't afford to abandon the broad suite of nuclear technologies when they hold real promise for further national benefits in many areas.