The myth of carbon-free nuclear energy

To the editor: How does one cheer nuclear as “clean” in the sense of carbon dioxide emissions when the entire process of mining uranium ore, processing the uranium into fuel pellets and loading the fuel frames into the reactor core are all carbon-intensive aspects of this power source? (“Solar’s great and so is wind, but we still need nuclear power,” Opinion, June 16)

Add the extreme dangers faced in ongoing climate change vis a vis flooding and loss of critical cooling water sources, the yet unresolved issues with radioactive spent fuel posing risks for thousands of years and the distinct possibility of a meltdown, and nuclear ought to be a no-go.

Nuclear is not safe, it is not carbon free, and it is the most expensive energy source on the market — and it is dangerous.

Ron Rodarte, San Clemente

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