Assure stable energy with nuclear power
10:49 PM 2/11/04

Wisconsin's fast-growing appetite for power clearly demands a mix of new energy sources and improved power lines. Several companies plan new coal-burning and natural gas-fired plants, and a wind power farm is in the works, too. <

What's missing, for no good reason? Nuclear power. <

Wisconsin must stop ignoring this promising, clean and safe energy source. To that end, a legislative committee took an important step this week toward overturning the state's 20-year ban on new nuclear plants and streamlining the application process to build nuclear plants in Wisconsin. The Assembly Energy and Utilities Committee endorsement of a bill (AB 555) clears the way for a full Assembly vote. <

With the current legislative session racing toward adjournment in March, many lawmakers would like to see this admittedly controversial bill go quietly and quickly by the wayside. Bill sponsor state Rep. Michael Huebsch, R-West Salem, said he doesn't expect the measure to get through the full Assembly this legislative session, and the governor may veto it if it does. <

Such an outcome ill serves businesses and homeowners eager for a stable, long-term energy source. State politicians instead should eschew anti-nuclear politics that have held sway for two decades, and ease the restrictive policies that have resulted. <

Wisconsin and the nation already depend on nuclear power for about a fifth of all electricity production. More than 100 nuclear reactors remain in operation today, with a stellar overall safety record. But most of these plants are aging. Our state and nation need a new generation of efficient and safe nuclear plants that will help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil - and ensure that Wisconsin will be able to reliably supply energy needed to sustain and encourage economic growth. <

Opponents say nuclear power is too expensive and too dangerous. But given rising energy prices, especially in natural gas, nuclear is looking more and more competitive. And there hasn't been a serious problem at a U.S. nuclear plant in 25 years. <

Nuclear plants are cleaner than the coal and gas plants that provide most of our power by discharging their waste into our air. Nuclear waste, on the other hand, can be tucked away inside a mountain. Opponents also say the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste disposal site may never be licensed because - opponents claim - the Environmental Protection Agency's radiation standard for the site is inadequate. Guaranteeing safe storage for the next 10,000 years isn't good enough for the anti-nuke crowd. <

The state Public Service Commission, which must approve construction of nuclear power plants, should stop making excuses meant to delay or derail the bill. Its objections could apply to any power plant application. Under the legislative measure, proposed nuclear plants would still be subject to the same approval requirements as conventional power plants. And all plant applications, not just nuclear, result in the hiring of consultants and yield other expenses. Huebsch might want to ease plant approval deadlines to meet PSC concerns, but not give in entirely. <

Future-focused states already are welcoming proposals for new reactors. Let's clear the way for clean, safe and reliable power by lifting Wisconsin's outdated ban on new sources of nuclear power. <