Nuclear power vital to U.S.

Nuclear power vital to U.S.
Vincent R Coulehan, Dobbs Ferry
The Journal News
February 22, 2005

Letters to the editor critical of nuclear power are constant in that all of their thrust is in the arena of possibility, and to that end remote, when comparing Chernobyl to technology used here in the United States ("Nuclear power can't be considered 'safe,' " Feb. 16). Raising the "Chernobyl" issue indicates to me that they're not in-tune with the technology, track record and protection at our country's nuclear plants that is afforded to the public.

The absolute need for safe, dependable, affordable, reliable energy sources for the United States is essential for our region and our nation's growth. When faced with a viable, clean alternative, no options are available in today's market that can compare to the energy supplied by these nuclear plants. Sure, we can use up thousands of acres of land or sea for windmills, or hundreds of square miles for solar panels, but the end results is that the public needs electricity to live, and nuclear power does provide this safely and reliably. These facts speak for themselves.

If we are to be truly responsible with the environment and energy needs, then the use of nuclear energy must be continued in order to stave off the actual harmful effects from burning fossil fuels. Inaccuracies and deception by ill-informed persons trying to dictate policy to our nation is doing far more harm than any good. Responsibility of the nuclear industry in this country has always had the health and safety of the general public as the highest priority.