U.S. aims to expand wasteful, polluting nuclear power

WASHINGTON – A new White House roadmap calls for tripling the United States†nuclear energy capacity by 2050, including 35 gigawatts of new capacity operating or under construction by 2035. 

Per dollar of investment, clean energy solutions – such as energy efficiency and renewable resources – deliver far more energy than nuclear power, and can come online faster and with less risk. There is currently five times more solar than nuclear power worldwide.

Nuclear power plants use radioactive uranium as fuel. Every uranium mine operated in the U.S. has required some degree of toxic waste cleanup. The worst have sickened generations of people, contaminated miles of rivers and streams, and required the cleanup of hundreds of acres of land. One of the landscapes most at risk from uranium mining is the Grand Canyon.

In response, Lisa Frank, executive director of Environment America, said: 

“This new commitment to a massive buildout of nuclear power jeopardizes our future. We shouldnâ€t run the risk of toxic meltdowns, wrecked landscapes and contaminated drinking water when we can keep the lights on with clean renewable energy.â€

Abe Scarr, U.S. PIRG Energy and Utilities program director, said:

“Wasting time and resources to expand nuclear power will only bring higher costs and long term risk. Nuclear energy remains dangerous, expensive and a distraction from cheaper, safer options like solar power.â€