Nuclear Research

* “Falling Federal Support Dims Future for Nuclear Industry” (Dec. 29) was correct in observing that federal funding cuts in research and development make nuclear energy’s future look less bright. These cuts will also mean a less bright future for our nation’s economy and environment as a whole.

The research investment in peaceful nuclear technology has generated 417,000 U.S. jobs and nearly $75 billion in total sales of goods and services for our economy. If we relinquish our leadership role in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology, we will forfeit another $17 billion of annual exports to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

For more than 20 years, nuclear energy has done more than any other electricity source to prevent carbon dioxide emissions--the leading greenhouse gas--which would have been 30% higher without our plants. Given this track record, new standardized plant designs being developed by American manufacturers offer the brightest hope that we can generate the electricity needed for an expanding economy without sacrificing the global environment.

PHILLIP BAYNE

Nuclear Energy Institute

Washington