Nuclear Power Prospects Brighten

An article in the Wall Street Journal today analyzes the prospects for nuclear power and finds the outlook decidedly brighter than it has been in quite a few years. The next generation of plants could start construction by 2012.

Public attitudes toward the industry have become favorable, the Journal says, and legislators are paying attention. Nuclear power is carbon-dioxide-free and popular the world over - including in America.

(In 2005, 19.3% of the electricity in the United States was made in nuclear power reactors. Connecticut residents get 38% of their electricity from nuclear power (pdf) - specifically, from the Millstone nuclear power plant near New London, CT.)

The Journal article examines the nuclear power industry's claims about addressing its cost, safety and waste issues. It also lays out the criticisms of the industry's assertions.