Nuclear vs. Natural Gas: A New Political Front

The headlines are terrible for nuclear–construction delays, cost overruns, need for multiple government subsidies, complaints all around.

Here is the press release from the Nuclear Energy Institute regarding the Obama Administration’s NEI Comments on Quadrennial Energy Review

The Nuclear Energy Institute has long believed that the United States faces serious energy and environmental challenges. Although the transportation and transmission infrastructure issues covered in today’s Quadrennial Energy Review are undeniably important, NEI hopes that DOE will turn quickly to address equally significant challenges associated with electricity generation and investment. “Given the need for reliable and low-carbon large-scale electricity sources, there is no question that America needs to increase its use of nuclear energy as we move deeper into the 21st century. Consider these facts: the electricity sector is losing one of its major strengths, fuel and technology diversity; our nation is becoming overly dependent on natural gas for production of electricity; and significant changes in the electricity landscape are coming as many of today’s power plants reach retirement age. These circumstances do not bode well for our nation’s energy future absent a coordinated effort to retain the full portfolio of energy options.”