What if we reversed the What If syndrome

Journal Article · · Electr. Perspect.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6132621

Hosmer, C

Former Congressman Hosmer feels that US energy independence could be a reality if greater use were made of nuclear energy. He notes that the swift move toward commercial nuclear power was stopped first by a fear of new technology, and then by a rash of What If disaster fears which overlook a quarter of a century of safe and economical operation. If the What If litany is reversed, he thinks it is possible to regain the enthusiasm and optimism that made the nuclear era possible. Further, he observes that if commercialism had moved ahead faster, all the planned capacity would have been in place before the 1973 oil embargo and OPEC's impact would have been diminished. The US would have a better mix of energy sources, and nuclear-fueled electric power could replace oil in the transportation sector. Mr. Hosmer says the use of complementary technology, such as hydrogen fuels and off-peak energy storage, could reduce oil use even further. (DCK)

• Research Organization: Doub and Muntzing, Washington, DC
• OSTI ID: 6132621
• Journal Information: Electr. Perspect.; (United States), Journal Name: Electr. Perspect.; (United States); ISSN ELPED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
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29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
COMMERCIALIZATION
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
NUCLEAR POWER
POLITICAL ASPECTS
POWER
PUBLIC OPINION
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION