TEPCO’s Risky Operation at Fukushima - The Nation

[rhett o rick]

2. For those that think that nuclear power is clean and inexpensive, think again.

First of all the construction of nuclear plants is terribly expensive. Special equipment and materials are needed that far exceed what's needed for a conventional plant. What that means, in part is that a whole lot of energy is used to build a nuclear plant. Then there's the risk. Insurance companies wont insure them. Too risky. Therefore, the taxpayers will be expected to pick up the tab for a nuclear accident. Another thing, the design that has spent fuel stored above the reactor is insane. And there are multiple similar plants in the good ole USofA. And we still havent figured out where to store spent fuel permanently. So across this nation, we have "parking lots" full of highly radioactive spent fuel rods just waiting for a solution for permanent disposition. Either that or an accident.

Just say no to nuclear power.