Nuclear Plants Power Energy Debate

Re “Nuclear Power May Rise Again,” Feb. 9: Not only have existing nuclear plants become more efficient, new plants on the drawing board are projected to be even easier to operate with greater efficiency. In addition they are simpler, safer and less expensive than plants operating now. Despite no new orders in the last 25 years, the power plant designers have been working diligently to improve their plants and incorporate new features. If we are bold enough to overcome the politics of nuclear waste disposal and not in my backyard (NIMBY), we can begin building these new plants in an orderly fashion and resolve the energy crisis.

Nuclear plants produce no atmospheric pollution and do not contribute to global warming. Given a few more nuclear plants, there would not have been a power crisis in California.

NICHOLAS K. SIMON

San Juan Capistrano

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California failed to balance the development of new power plants to meet rising demand with protection of the environment. It and the rest of the nation need electricity sources with minimal environmental impacts that produce large quantities of power. The options include natural gas, which is the least polluting of the fossil fuels, and nuclear power, which emits no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. Clean coal technology should be considered. Other alternatives, such as wind and solar energy, can contribute, but realistic projections indicate they can just be bit players.

People and the environment are both served best when decisions are based on information and understanding rather than political posturing. Perhaps the California blackouts finally will have taught us that lesson.

BRIAN GOLDENFELD

Woodland Hills