Investors, utility companies and government officials are putting millions of dollars into exploring a mix of energy alternatives to meet this country's growing electricity demands.
While wind, solar and water are among the options, nuclear power is receiving a growing amount of interest. Nuclear power provides 20 percent of the nation's total energy needs so people can turn on their lights, heat their homes, and cook their meals.
Scientists have shown nuclear energy is clean, safe, abundant and affordable. It produces almost no air pollution and greenhouse gases. Without nuclear power, some emissions would have gone up the equivalent of 58 million passenger cars in the U.S.
The federal government predicts that by the year 2030 electricity usage in the U.S. will increase by 50 percent. With the doubling of oil prices, global warming and a diminishing supply of fossil fuels, experts say nuclear energy is the missing piece of the energy puzzle.
For more information, visit www.ans.org/pi/np/renaissance/.
Nuclear energy has been supplying electricity to people since 1957. Check your electric bill to see where your power comes from. |
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