This weeks article comes to us from the National Law Journal: Nuclear Waste is Piling Up

Last week I discussed the California emissions waiver and the Obama Administrations commitment to the environment and cleaner energy.  This weeks article posses the same them:  Cleaner energy.  One very controversial solution to our Country's current energy problems is the increased production of nuclear power.  Some argue nuclear power is dangerous while others argue it is human error.  Either way one problem exists that must be solved first:  What do we do with the nuclear waste that is generated in the process?

There is a distinct timeline in the regulation and policy of nuclear waste dating back to the 1960's.  The 60's were highlighted by a policy that called for waste to be reprocessed and recycled with the highly radioactive was falling under Government control for disposal deep under the ground.  The late 70's were characterized by storing spent fuel and waste above and below ground.  It was no longer legal to reprocess it.  The 80's were an optimistic time for nuclear energy supporters with he passing of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, which called for the Dept. of Energy to build a national depository for nuclear waste.  To fund this, utility companies would pay a surcharge tot he government, ultimately about 16 billion dollars.  What is there to show for this today? Nothing.  Utility companies  have been able to recover a marginal amount of this through litigation as the Government has yet to respond.  Aside from the Government letdown, companies have had to sink millions into alternative storage and disposal methods.

America is in a vulnerable state right now as we are reliant on foreign energy imports, mostly of fossil fuels.  We also have a sever problem with green house gas emissions and air quality.  Nuclear power is an alternative that is much much cleaner than coal and wold also allow the US to work towards energy independence.  The only problem is that without the support of the Government, nuclear energy requires too many financial resources.  It is also a lengthy process to gain site approval.  The DOE needs to get their act together and take definitive action, whether it be in favor of nuclear energy or not.  If they are in favor, they must fiercely pursue it.  If not, they need to stop wasting time and money and make it know they do not support it and invest time and money into other alternatives.  The regulation by the DOE is simply a mess and must be figured out.  They need to work in conjunction with the EPA on alternatives and impacts of actions as well, something that they currently do not seem to utilize.

Nuclear energy is something that we must give a more serious look to.  Although ultimately it may not be the answer, it may act as a band-aid until something better comes along or it may lead us to the answer.  Either way it will lead toward energy independence and take great strides toward protecting our environment.  So I urge you to read up on the issue and decide for yourself.  Until next time.....remember to reduce, reuse, recycle!