THIS IS "DROP" 29, IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME, FROM A DROP IN THE BUCKET ... IT WAS WRITTEN IN 2006 ... 4 YEARS AGO ... IT IS WORTH INCLUDING HERE AS LITTLE, IF NOTHING, HAS BEEN DONE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN OVER FOUR [4] YEARS.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Serving as my company’s Energy Czar during the 1970’s energy crisis, I gained some extensive experience in the energy field. In my opinion, during that period, the consumer got caught up in a battle between the government and the energy companies. They said there was a shortage of fossil fuels; but, surprisingly, when the price of oil got high enough, there was no longer a shortage.
There are several long-term energy areas – such as solar, wind, corn alcohol, etc. – that are research-intensive and expensive but give promise as long-term solutions.
For years, I have felt that there was some middle ground for energy growth. These would include drilling in the ANWR fields of Alaska and off the coast of Florida. But in my opinion, the one that has the greatest potential is nuclear power.
Only 20% of the U.S. energy supply is nuclear and there have not been any new plants put in operation since 1979 – over twenty-five years ago. In fact, a nuclear power plant has been built in the Northeastern area of the United States and has NEVER been turned on.
Are there dangers? Of course … but don’t the rewards far outweigh the risks?
Worldwide, as of May 2005, there are 439 nuclear energy reactors in operation and 137 under construction, planned or proposed. Of the 137, NONE are in the United States.
So where are they?
France: 78% of the French energy supply is nuclear, with 59 reactors in operation.
China: 15 reactors operational with 31 in the works.
Russia: 17 nuclear reactors operating, generating 17% of Russian energy usage; they have another 13 underway or planned.
Japan: 25% of their power is generated from 54 operating reactors, and they have another 14 in their future.
South Korea: 20 nuclear generation plants producing 40% of their requirements; another 8 planned.
England and Canada: These two nations have more reactors per capita than the U.S., with 40 plants in operation and 5 under construction or planned.
What do these countries know that we in the U.S. don’t?
With the right regulations and controls, nuclear power can be our shortest path to achieving a self-sufficient energy level that will greatly reduce our dependency on imported oil.
Serving as my company’s Energy Czar during the 1970’s energy crisis, I gained some extensive experience in the energy field. In my opinion, during that period, the consumer got caught up in a battle between the government and the energy companies. They said there was a shortage of fossil fuels; but, surprisingly, when the price of oil got high enough, there was no longer a shortage.
There are several long-term energy areas – such as solar, wind, corn alcohol, etc. – that are research-intensive and expensive but give promise as long-term solutions.
For years, I have felt that there was some middle ground for energy growth. These would include drilling in the ANWR fields of Alaska and off the coast of Florida. But in my opinion, the one that has the greatest potential is nuclear power.
Only 20% of the U.S. energy supply is nuclear and there have not been any new plants put in operation since 1979 – over twenty-five years ago. In fact, a nuclear power plant has been built in the Northeastern area of the United States and has NEVER been turned on.
Are there dangers? Of course … but don’t the rewards far outweigh the risks?
Worldwide, as of May 2005, there are 439 nuclear energy reactors in operation and 137 under construction, planned or proposed. Of the 137, NONE are in the United States.
So where are they?
France: 78% of the French energy supply is nuclear, with 59 reactors in operation.
China: 15 reactors operational with 31 in the works.
Russia: 17 nuclear reactors operating, generating 17% of Russian energy usage; they have another 13 underway or planned.
Japan: 25% of their power is generated from 54 operating reactors, and they have another 14 in their future.
South Korea: 20 nuclear generation plants producing 40% of their requirements; another 8 planned.
England and Canada: These two nations have more reactors per capita than the U.S., with 40 plants in operation and 5 under construction or planned.
What do these countries know that we in the U.S. don’t?
With the right regulations and controls, nuclear power can be our shortest path to achieving a self-sufficient energy level that will greatly reduce our dependency on imported oil.
Surprisingly, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil will increase the oil supply and decrease the price of the imported oil … The Arab sheiks need the money … Supply and Demand wins again.
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