In the late 1970's there was a nuclear plant mishap at Three Mile Island in central Pennsylvania. NO one was hurt, but the media went into full scare mode. That was followed by a movie called "The China Syndrome" which portrayed greedy utilities cutting corners on nuclear power plant operation so that the core would melt down and burn a hole all the way through the Earth to China. That was it. From that point onward, it was impossible to build additional nuclear power plants in a reasonable way. None at all were built for almost 20 years. There have only been four built in total since the move came out.
Now, a new nuclear plant is being brought on line in Tennessee. It is owned and operated by the TVA. It is expected to provide power for about 650,000 homes. It was, however, extremely expensive to build and it will be expensive to operate. That is because it has been burdened with so much overkill in the regulations that govern these plants. Nevertheless, the plant will be safe and it will have no emissions. Unlike wind or solar, it doesn't depend on the weather. Unlike wind and solar, it will not result in the wholesale slaughter of wildlife in the area. From the standpoint of even the most strident environmentalist, opening the plant is a win.
In many ways it's a funny thing to see the environmentalists celebrate the opening of the new nuclear plant. After all, these are the people who stopped the construction of so many nuclear plants over the last 30 years. If America had gone ahead with just 75% of the nuclear plants that were proposed, this country's carbon emissions would be at least 40% lower. Now it's supposed to be a good thing, but the regulations that these same people forced through have driven the cost of these plants up to a point where they no longer make economic sense.
Sometimes, it's important to let common sense enter into the equation. Remember that the next time you read that this or that "expert" is giving his or her considered opinion. Many times, they really don't know what they are talking about.
Now, a new nuclear plant is being brought on line in Tennessee. It is owned and operated by the TVA. It is expected to provide power for about 650,000 homes. It was, however, extremely expensive to build and it will be expensive to operate. That is because it has been burdened with so much overkill in the regulations that govern these plants. Nevertheless, the plant will be safe and it will have no emissions. Unlike wind or solar, it doesn't depend on the weather. Unlike wind and solar, it will not result in the wholesale slaughter of wildlife in the area. From the standpoint of even the most strident environmentalist, opening the plant is a win.
In many ways it's a funny thing to see the environmentalists celebrate the opening of the new nuclear plant. After all, these are the people who stopped the construction of so many nuclear plants over the last 30 years. If America had gone ahead with just 75% of the nuclear plants that were proposed, this country's carbon emissions would be at least 40% lower. Now it's supposed to be a good thing, but the regulations that these same people forced through have driven the cost of these plants up to a point where they no longer make economic sense.
Sometimes, it's important to let common sense enter into the equation. Remember that the next time you read that this or that "expert" is giving his or her considered opinion. Many times, they really don't know what they are talking about.
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