Letter to the editor: nuke atomic energy

Writing in the August 12 issue of the IDS, columnist Henry Alderfer makes a case for expanded use in the United States of nuclear energy. His main point is that nuclear plants do not emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. However, Alderfer fails to mention a number of problems with nuclear energy, which, in my opinion, make using it unwise.

It is true that so far, there have been very few accidents with nuclear reactors, but there is always the possibility of a rare but very serious accident which could cost many lives.

Also, some waste products of nuclear reactors remain radioactive for thousands of years, much longer than civilization has existed on our planet. How can we ensure the long-term safety of the waste disposal sites? The fact is, we have not yet come close to solving this problem.

Furthermore, nuclear energy is not economically viable. Private companies will build new nuclear reactors only if government guarantees their borrowings and limits their legal liability in case of serious accidents. In other words, the companies will make the profits, but the taxpayers will bear
the risks.

There are abundant uranium reserves on the earth, but even uranium will eventually get used up — uranium is not a renewable source. A much wiser use of government money would be to invest in truly renewable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal energy. Above all, we should promote energy conservation, which is by far the cheapest way to make our energy sources last longer.

Don Lichtenberg
IU Professor Emeritus of Physics