SENATOR'S BOOK BOOSTS NUCLEAR POWER

摘要

Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) has published a new book, A Brighter Tomorrow, subtitled "Fulfilling the Promise of Nuclear Energy." As the subtitle implies, the book is a ringing endorsement of nuclear energy. Although the cover acknowledges Blythe Lyons and Julian Steyn as additional authors, the book is written in a personal style and frequently references Domenici's own experiences during his long career in public service. Domenici covers all the bases and makes all the usual arguments for nuclear power. He begins with energy supply and demand, and cites the need for diversity and reduced dependence upon imports, as well as noting the shortcomings of renewable energy technologies. He discusses the safety, environmental and economic advantages of nuclear power, as well as more futuristic concepts such as nuclear energy's potential contributions to a hydrogen economy. Most of his arguments are the same ones nuclear advocates have been making for more than 30 years, but updated. In nearly every case, given nuclear plants' safety records and economic performance, as well as the current energy supply and demand situation, the updated versions are more compelling than the past arguments.